What is a Gallstone?
A gallstone, (gôl”ston), is a lump of rock-like material that forms inside the gall bladder. Gallstones are formed as a result of precipitation of cholesterol and bile salts from the bile. Most bile is produced in the liver from cholesterol and concentrated in the gall bladder. A person may have many gallstones. They usually range in size from a grain of sand to 1 or 2 inches. ***Gallstones and kidney stones are not related. They are formed in different areas of the body. Symptoms of Gallstones Often, there are no symptoms of gallstones. The gallstones lie quietly within the gall bladder and are usually found by chance. If a gallstone is obstructing the gall bladder, there will be severe pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. The pain will come and go in waves as strong muscular contractions. Strong muscular contractions occur because the body is trying to get rid of the obstruction. Other symptoms of gallstones are: mild pain under the right ribs. This pain usually occurs after
