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Cholelithiasis
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Cholelithiasis is the medical term for gallstones. These are hard pieces of material that form inside the gallbladder; picture small pebbles resting in a pouch. Their presence alone does not mean that there is a blockage.
The name changes depending on what is happening. Biliary colic is pain caused when the gallbladder contracts around a stone. Cholecystitis is inflammation or infection of the gallbladder. Choledocholithiasis means that stones are present in the common bile duct.
In brief
Gallstones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that form inside the gallbladder. Their presence alone does not mean that a blockage is present.
Cholelithiasis is another medical term for gallstones. Biliary colic is pain caused when the gallbladder contracts around a stone; cholecystitis is inflammation or infection of the gallbladder; and choledocholithiasis refers to stones in the common bile duct.
Sources (2)
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIHDefinition & Facts for Gallstones
- National Institute for Health and Care ExcellenceGallstone Disease: Diagnosis and Management of Cholelithiasis, Cholecystitis and Choledocholithiasis
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated