Gallstones

Gallstones are small, hard deposits of digestive fluid that develop in the gallbladder, which is located on the right side of the abdomen underneath the liver. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that holds bile, or digestive fluids that are released into the small intestine. Gallstones range in size, and can be anywhere between the size of a grain of sand to a golf ball. Many people only develop one gallstone, while others develop a collection of gallstones at one time.

Gallstones develop for a variety of reasons. One of the leading reasons for gallstones to form is that your bile contains too much cholesterol. These types of gallstones are known as cholesterol gallstones, and develop when the liver excretes a greater amount of cholesterol than your bile can successfully dissolve. This leaves excess cholesterol, which often forms into crystals and eventually into stones in the gallbladder. Another main cause of gallstones is an overabundance of bilirubin in your bile. Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells are broken down in your body. If your liver makes too much bilirubin then gallstones could develop. These types of gallstones are known as pigment gallstones, and often develop as a result of disease such as cirrhosis of the liver, biliary tract infections or certain blood disorders. Gallstones can also form as a result of the gallbladder failing to empty itself correctly.