What is Gallstones? (Introduction)

Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small pouch under the liver that stores bile. Bile helps digest fat. When substances in bile clump together, they can form stones ranging from a grain of sand to a golf ball.

Many people have no symptoms

Most gallstones are found by chance on a scan and never cause trouble. They become a problem when a stone blocks a bile duct, causing pain, infection or inflammation.

Two main kinds

• Cholesterol stones: the most common, linked to excess cholesterol in bile
• Pigment stones: linked to conditions that break down red blood cells, and to liver disease

Who is more likely to get them

Women, people in their 40s and older, those who are overweight, those who lose weight very quickly, pregnant women and people with a family history are at higher risk.

Why it matters

A blocked duct can lead to severe pain, infection of the gallbladder, jaundice or inflammation of the pancreas. These need prompt medical care.

Key points

• Silent stones usually need no treatment.
• Stones that cause repeated pain are usually treated by removing the gallbladder with keyhole surgery.
• No herb, drink or "liver flush" has been proven to dissolve gallstones.
• Fever with belly pain, yellow skin or severe pain needs same-day medical care.