Gallstones in Barranquilla, Colombia

What are gallstones?

They are stones that form in the gallbladder from cholesterol or bile pigments. They are very common, especially in women, after age 40, during pregnancy, with excess weight, diabetes or after rapid weight loss.

Do they always cause symptoms?

No. Many people have them without knowing and they are found on an ultrasound done for another reason. If they cause no symptoms, they generally need no treatment. When a stone blocks the gallbladder outlet, biliary colic appears: strong pain in the upper right abdomen or upper stomach, sometimes spreading to the back, often after large or fatty meals.

What complications can they cause?

Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), stones passing into the bile ducts with yellow skin, bile duct infection (cholangitis) and pancreatitis. With pain that does not ease, fever or yellow skin or eyes, go to the emergency room.

How are they treated?

When they cause symptoms, the most effective treatment is laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), since attacks tend to recur. Stones in the bile ducts can be removed endoscopically (ERCP). Medications to dissolve them work in very few cases.

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