Cholelithiasis

Cholelithiasis,also known as gall stones, are stones formed within gallbladder.

Types:

There are two main types of gallstones:

  • Cholesterol stones, containing crystalline cholesterol monohydrate
  • Pigment stones,made up of bilirubin calcium salts

Risk factors:

The risk factors for gallstones include;

  • Advancing age
  • Female gender,oral contraceptives
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity and insulin resistance
  • Gallbladder stasis
  • Dyslipidemia syndrome
  • Inborn disorders of bile acid metabolism
  • Biliary infection
  • Chronic hemolysis

Clinical features:

There is usually pain that localizes to right upper quadrant or epigastric region.

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