Gallstone Disease

Gallstone disease occurs when small, stone-like deposits form in the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile (a digestive fluid that helps break down fats).

Many people with gallstones have no symptoms and do not need treatment. However, gallstones can sometimes block the flow of bile, leading to severe pain or serious complications such as: 

• Biliary colic (pain caused by gallstones) 

• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) 

• Cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts) 

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) 

Gallstones are generally classified as: 

• Cholesterol stones, which are the most common  

• Pigment stones, which are associated with certain liver diseases and blood disorders