Gallstone disease

Gallstone disease (cholelithiasis) is a common disease characterized by the presence of stones in the gallbladder or bile ducts. Gallstones can lead to serious complications such as jaundice, pancreatitis, biliary tract infections, and even gallbladder cancer.

Gallstones are formed from cholesterol, bile pigments and calcium. They can range in size from small grains of sand to large stones that can block the bile ducts. Some people have gallstones but experience no symptoms, while for others the stones can cause severe pain and discomfort.

The main risk factors for developing gallstones are age over 40 years, female gender, family history, obesity, diabetes, pregnancy, use of hormonal medications and some other medical conditions.

Symptoms of gallstones may include pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, loss of appetite, and heartburn. Some people may also experience pain in the right shoulder or back.

Various methods can be used to diagnose gallstone disease, including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and cholangiography, an X-ray examination of the bile ducts.

Treatment for gallstone disease depends on the severity of symptoms and the presence of complications. If the stones do not cause symptoms, treatment will likely not be needed. However, if symptoms interfere with the patient's quality of life, surgery may be necessary.

The surgical method for treating cholelithiasis is called cholecystectomy - this is an operation to remove the gallbladder. In some cases, if stones are in the bile ducts, endoscopic stone removal may be required.

Overall, gallstones are a common condition that can lead to serious complications. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve the patient's quality of life. If you have symptoms associated with gallstones, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

_**Cholelithiasis**_ Gallstone disease is a chronic disease caused by the formation of stones in the gall bladder or bile ducts. Stones can form over many years and cause various symptoms, including pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, fever, itchy skin and others. The disease most often occurs in middle-aged and elderly women, although it can be found in people of any age. The main cause of cholelithiasis is metabolic disorders and impaired bile secretion.

**How ​​do stones form?** There are several factors that can lead to the formation of gallstones, such as:

1. Metabolic disorders; 2. Reduced outflow of bile from the gallbladder; 3. Congestive processes in the liver; 4. Chronic pancreatitis, which results in