Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that form in the gallbladder. They affect 10-15% of adults and are the most common cause of upper abdominal pain requiring surgery.

Risk factors include female sex, obesity, rapid weight loss, diabetes, and family history. Most gallstones remain silent; symptoms occur when a stone blocks the bile duct.

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Symptomatic gallstones cause biliary colic: severe right upper abdominal pain, often triggered by fatty meals. Complications include cholecystitis, cholangitis, and pancreatitis.

Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is the definitive treatment. The laparoscopic approach allows most patients to go home the same day.

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