Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small sac-like organ that stores bile, which is a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Gallstones can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball.
Most people with gallstones do not experience any symptoms. However, if the stones become lodged in the ducts that connect the gallbladder to other organs, they can cause pain and other problems. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the stones.
There are two types of gallstones: cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Cholesterol stones are made up of excess cholesterol that has crystallized in the bile. Pigment stones are made up of bilirubin, a waste product that is produced when red blood cells break down.
Risk factors for developing gallstones include being female, being overweight or obese, having diabetes, and having a family history of gallstones. Treatment forgallstones typically involves surgical removal of the stone or dissolution of the stone using medication. Prevention of gallstone formation includes maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding crash diets.