Cholelithiasis

Cholelithiasis, Also Known As Gallstone Disease, Is A Medical Condition In Which Gallstones Form In The Gallbladder Or Bile Ducts. These Hard, Pebble-Like Deposits, Which Can Range In Size From A Grain Of Sand To A Golf Ball, Are Composed Of Cholesterol, Bile Salts, Calcium, And Other Substances. Gallstones Can Occur In Both Men And Women, But They Are More Common In Women And In People Over The Age Of 40. The Primary Symptom Of Cholelithiasis Is Pain In The Upper Right Abdomen, Usually After Eating A Fatty Meal. This Pain Is Known As Biliary Colic, And It Can Last Anywhere From A Few Minutes To Several Hours. Other Symptoms May Include Nausea, Vomiting, Fever, And Jaundice. Cholelithiasis Is Usually Diagnosed Through Imaging Tests, Such As An Ultrasound, CT Scan, Or MRI. These Tests Can Detect The Presence Of Gallstones And The Size And Location Of The Stones. Treatment May Involve Lifestyle Changes, Such As Reducing Fat And Cholesterol In The Diet, And Taking Medications To Dissolve The Stones. In Some Cases, Surgery May Be Necessary To Remove The Gallstones.