Cholelithiasis

Cholelithiasis is the presence of stones in the gallbladder - chole- means "gall bladder", lithia meaning "stone", and -sis means "process".

Gallstones

The two commonest forms of gallstones are stones made primary of cholesterol salts and calcified gallstones. Many other forms of gallstones have also been identified.

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Surgical options

Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) has a 99% chance of eliminating the reoccurrence of cholelithiasis. There are two surgery options: open procedure and laparoscopic.

Open procedure

This involves an incision into the abdomen (laparotomy) below the right lower ribs. A week of hospitalization, normal diet a week after release and normal activity a month after release.

Laparoscopic

Puncture holes for camera and instruments (available since the 1980s)

Miscellanea

75% of the Pima Native American elders have cholelithiasis.

External links

• Gallbladder removal - series from Medical Encyclopedia