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.
