Gallbladder stones

Description of Gallbladder stones

Definition of Gall Stones
 
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ under the liver. It stores bile, a fluid made by your liver to digest fat. As the stomach and intestines digest food, the gallbladder releases bile through a tube called the common bile duct. The duct connects the gallbladder and liver to the small intestine.
 
Signs and Symptoms of Gall Stones
 
Common symptoms of gall stone are:
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Pain in the abdomen
4. Pain in the back
5. Pain under the right arm
 
Causes and Risk Factors of Gall Stones
 
Gallstones form when bile, stored in the gallbladder, hardens. Gallstones are most common amongst:
1. Older adults
2. Women
3. Overweight people
 
Investigations
 
1. Gallstones are often found during imaging tests.
2. If you do not have symptoms, you usually do not need treatment.
 
Treatment of Gall Stones
 
The most common treatment is the removal of the gallbladder. Fortunately, one can live without a gallbladder.
 
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Content Details
Last updated on:
30 Apr 2018 | 12:20 PM (IST)
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