Digestive System

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on gallstones. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse  www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/nddic.htm American Gastroenterological Association  Phone: 301-654-2055 www.gastro.org National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases Office of Communications and Public Liaison  www.niddk.nih.gov

Gallstones are collections of hard, solid material that form in the gallbladder. Some may be the size of a grain of sand, or they may be crystals that can be seen only with a microscope. Others may be the size of a golf ball. People can develop just one large stone, hundreds of smaller stones, or combinations

Cholesterol stones form in people who have an imbalance in the materials that make-up bile. There may be too much bilirubin and cholesterol, or not enough bile salts, compared to the amount of water in the bile. (Bile salts help to keep cholesterol dissolved in the bile.) Cholesterol stones also may form when the gallbladder

Accurate diagnosis is very important because gallstone symptoms are similar to those of several serious diseases. They include heart attacks, ulcers, appendicitis, pancreatitis, hiatal hernia, and hepatitis. Doctors may suspect gallstones based on a person’s symptoms, especially in someone who is at high risk for gallbladder disease. A simple physical examination in the doctor’s office

Some people with gallstones have no symptoms, and may require no treatment. For individuals who are having symptoms, surgery to remove the gallbladder is the most common treatment. Surgery to Remove the Gallbladder. Laparoscopic Surgery. Traditional “Open” Surgery. Surgery for Blocked Bile Ducts. Non-surgical Treatment. Surgery To Remove The Gallbladder Surgery for gallstone disease is

Scientists are looking for more effective non-surgical treatments for gallbladder disease. Drugs that dissolve gallstones quickly could reduce the need for surgery. Other research is under way on the prevention of gallstones. Genes that children inherit from their parents may be a factor in many gallstone cases. If scientists can identify these abnormal genes, it

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Gallstones. Q: I had an ultrasound scan of the abdomen for another medical problem. It showed several big stones in my gallbladder. Should I have my gallbladder removed? A: About 60% of people with gallstones never have any symptoms and never get sick. They’re just like you. Most might never even

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to gallstones. Gallstones are made of hard, solid material that forms in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a hollow organ that stores bile, a thick liquid that helps the body digest fats. Gallstones can block tube-like ducts that carry bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine.

Here are definitions of medical terms related to Gallstones. Abdomen: The stomach area that begins just below the ribs and extends to the pelvis. Abdominal ultrasound scan: A test that uses sound waves to create images of organs inside the body. If gallstones are present in the gallbladder they will be seen.. Bile: A thick brown liquid made