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Gallstones, or cholelithiasis, can be asymptomatic and are classified by the type of materials present in the stones. Treatment options vary depending on symptoms and severity, with surgery being a common option. Dietary choices do not necessarily cause gallbladder pain. Patients may choose to wait and see before pursuing treatment.
Cholelithiasis is a condition in which small stones form in the gallbladder. Also known as gallstones, in reference to the common name of the stones that cause it, gallstone disease is often asymptomatic, with patients only becoming aware they have cholelitis or gallstones during routine medical screening. There are several treatment options for this condition, depending on whether or not a patient has symptoms and how severe these symptoms are.
Different types of gallstones can form in the gallbladder, classified according to the types of materials present in the stones. 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 the elderly appear to be at greater risk.
Sometimes, the body successfully passes gallstones. In other cases, someone has the condition, but experiences no symptoms and remains unconscious. It’s also possible for people to develop biliary colic, characterized by intermittent pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Contrary to popular belief, particular dietary choices don’t seem to predispose people to developing gallstones, and eating meals that contain particular ingredients won’t necessarily cause gallbladder pain.
In some patients, gallstone disease develops into an obstruction, which can lead to the development of severe pain and infection. In these patients, treatment is absolutely necessary. The most typical treatment for gallstone disease is a cholecystectomy, in which the gallbladder itself is removed, along with the stones. In some cases, lithotripsy, a procedure to break up stones, may be recommended. Medications can also be used to break up stones, if they are cholesterol stones, so they can pass naturally. Lithotripsy can be problematic because stones often come back, which means the patient will have problems in the future.
Often, the approach to gallstone disease is simply a wait and see. Unless surgery is clearly indicated, patients may feel that the risks of the surgery, combined with the lifestyle changes needed to adjust to having their gallbladder removed, 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’s important to talk to a doctor about the various options available before making a decision about how to manage gallstones.
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