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What is Cholelithiasis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Cholelithiasis is a condition in which small calculi form in the gall bladder. Also known as gallstones, in a reference to the common name for the calculi which cause it, cholelithiasis is often asymptomatic, with patients only becoming aware that they have choleliths or gallstones during routine medical screening. There are a number of treatment options for this condition, depending on whether or not a patient is experiencing symptoms, and how severe these symptoms are.

Several different kinds of choleliths can form in the gallbladder, classified by the types of materials present in the calculi. The most common are formed from cholesterol, while black and brown gallstones contain other materials. Treatment approaches can vary, depending on the type of gallstones involved. The causes of gallstone formation are unclear, although women and older adults appear to be at increased risk.

Cholelithiasis is also known as gallstones.
Cholelithiasis is also known as gallstones.

Sometimes, the body successfully passes gallstones. In other cases, someone has the condition, but experiences no symptoms and remains unaware. It is also possible for people to develop biliary colic, characterized by intermittent pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. Contrary to popular belief, particular dietary choices do not appear to predispose people to cholelith formation, and eating meals which contain particular ingredients will not necessarily trigger pain in the gallbladder.

Women and older adults are at highest risk for developing cholelithiasis.
Women and older adults are at highest risk for developing cholelithiasis.

In some patients, cholelithiasis turns into an obstruction, which can lead to the development of intense pain as well as infection. In these patients, treatment is absolutely necessary. The most typical treatment for cholelithiasis is a cholecystectomy, in which the gallbladder itself is removed, along with the stones. In some cases, lithotripsy, a procedure to break up the stones, may be recommended. Medications can also be used to break up the stones, if they are cholesterol stones, so that they can be passed naturally. Lithotripsy can be problematic because the stones often return, which means that the patient will experience problems in the future.

Cholelithiasis occurs in the gallbladder when small crystalline structures form.
Cholelithiasis occurs in the gallbladder when small crystalline structures form.

Often, the approach to cholelithiasis is simply to wait and see. Unless surgery is clearly indicated, patients may feel that the risks of the surgery combined with lifestyle changes required to adapt to gallbladder removal are simply not worth it. Patients may also prefer to wait and see if they can pass the stones before pursuing a surgical treatment option. Individual cases vary, so it is important to talk with a doctor about the various options available before making a decision about how to manage gallstones.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

everetra

@miriam98 - You might want to point out that you would need to avoid eating too much fast food if you want to stave off the possibility of gallbladder disease.

I think that’s implied by your post but I want to make that clear. Since many gallstones have cholesterol as their key component, fast foods are a definite no-no in that regard in my opinion.

Many fast food burgers are just piled high with sodium and cholesterol. Eating one every now and then might be okay, but twice a week or more and you are asking for significant health problems in my opinion, gallstones just being one of them.

miriam98

I think it’s far better to avoid gallstones altogether than have to live with the pain until they pass from your body.

I believe that there are certain dietary changes that you can make which will reduce your likelihood of getting them in the first place. Drink a lot of water, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise and keep a healthy weight.

Of course you could argue that this dietary advice is pretty standard, and it is. I believe that a lot of common ailments are rooted in problems with the diet.

I’ve also heard that eating fats can help too, but it has to be the good kind of fats, like the kinds you find in fish or nuts.

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    • Cholelithiasis is also known as gallstones.
      By: roblan
      Cholelithiasis is also known as gallstones.
    • Women and older adults are at highest risk for developing cholelithiasis.
      By: Daria Filiminova
      Women and older adults are at highest risk for developing cholelithiasis.
    • Cholelithiasis occurs in the gallbladder when small crystalline structures form.
      By: pixelcaos
      Cholelithiasis occurs in the gallbladder when small crystalline structures form.
    • Several kinda of choleliths can form in the gallbladder.
      By: snapgalleria
      Several kinda of choleliths can form in the gallbladder.
    • An ultrasound may be used to investigate gallstones.
      By: acherst
      An ultrasound may be used to investigate gallstones.
    • Consuming peanuts on a regular basis may help prevent gallstones.
      By: lirtlon
      Consuming peanuts on a regular basis may help prevent gallstones.