Gallstones

What Are Gallstones?

Many people can have gallstones and never have any symptoms or problems. Gallstones tend to form when the gallbladder does not empty completely or often enough. There are risk factors that can contribute to the formation of gallstones. Some of these risk factors include obesity, diabetes, age over 60, females, genetics and liver disease.

While you can have gallstones without any symptoms, these stones can become as large as a golf ball and cause irritation, infection or other gallbladder problems. If a gallstone is pushed into the duct leading to the small intestine, it can become wedged in the duct. This condition is called choledocholithiasis, a blockage of the bile duct. Gallstones can also cause inflammation in the gallbladder, a condition called cholecystitis. Gallstones are also a risk factor for gallbladder cancer.

Causes and Symptoms of Gallstones

Many people can have gallstones and never have any symptoms or problems. Gallstones tend to form when the gallbladder does not empty completely or often enough. There are risk factors that can contribute to the formation of gallstones. Some of these risk factors include obesity, diabetes, age over 60, females, genetics and liver disease.

While you can have gallstones without any symptoms, these stones can become as large as a golf ball and cause irritation, infection or other gallbladder problems. If a gallstone is pushed into the duct leading to the small intestine, it can become wedged in the duct. This condition is called choledocholithiasis, a blockage of the bile duct. Gallstones can also cause inflammation in the gallbladder, a condition called cholecystitis. Gallstones are also a risk factor for gallbladder cancer.

Gallstone Treatment with Danny Shouhed, M.D.

If you are diagnosed with gallstones, treatment may be recommended to break down these formations to minimize the risks of complications or surgery to remove the gallbladder. The treatment depends on your health and whether you are prone to gallbladder disorders caused by gallstones. To discuss gallstones treatment, contact us at our office in Los Angeles to schedule a consultation with our GI surgeon, Dr. Danny Shouhed.

Procedure

Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)