What Is a Gallstone?

A gallstone is comprised of tiny, hardened crystals that form in the gallbladder and block the excretion of bile. The formation is made from calcium or cholesterol deposits, and the development of the crystals is asymptomatic. It isn't until severe abdominal pain is felt that patients realize a gallstone has formed. A gallstone requires removal to protect from the possibility of bile backing up into the liver and causing damage.

Symptoms

• The most common symptom is pain from the gallstone blocking bile ducts in the gallbladder. The patient may also have chronic indigestion, fever and increased liver enzymes.

Causes

• Too much cholesterol in the diet is the main cause of gallstone formation. Additionally, poor eating habits like skipping meals cause the gallbladder to excrete bile on a less frequent basis. This leads to accumulation and increased concentration of calcium, leading to gallstone formation.

Diagnosis

• Blood tests are taken to detect increased levels of liver enzymes and white blood cells. The doctor may also perform an ultrasonography to take a image of the content of the gallbladder. The hardened, solid gallstone shows up in image diagnostic testing.

Treatments

• Treatment for a gallstone is usually surgery to remove the gallbladder. Formation of a stone is dangerous for the liver, so removal through laparoscopic procedures eliminates pain and possibilities of further complications.

Prevention

• A healthy diet is the main prevention measure for a gallstone. Eating frequently excretes bile from the gallbladder, avoiding the possibility of concentrated crystals. Exercise also keeps a healthy weight, which is attributed to higher risks of formations.