What is Cholelithiasis?

Cholelithiasis
Gross morphological features of patient gallstones employed in this study.A) Representative image of a group of gallstones retrieved from a single patient (GS 2) demonstrating consistent size and visual appearance. B) Cross section of gallstone (GS 1) and C) Cross section of gallstone (GS 4), revealing heterogeneous appearance throughout a single gallstone. D) The sectioning procedure was attempted on 4 patient gallstones of varying size and visual appearance. Gallstone sample GS 1 was selected for use in biofilm analysis experiments based on the success of the sectioning technique and having characteristics consistent with gallstones containing a high percentage of cholesterol. Visualization of extracellular matrix components within sectioned Salmonella biofilms on the surface of human gallstones. Marshall JM, Flechtner AD, La Perle KM, Gunn JS - PloS one (2014). Not Altered. CC.

Cholelithiasis is caused by excessive amounts of cholesterol in the bile that’s stored in the gallbladder and this cholesterol hardens to form stone-like substances.

Examples of cholelithiasis are:

  • Gallstones
  • Cholesterol stones
  • Pigment stones

What are Gallstones?

Gallstones are concretions that form in the biliary tract, usually in the gallbladder.

What is the Pathology of Gallstones?

The pathology of gallstones is:

-Etiology: The cause of gallstones isn’t completely understood.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to gallstones is that the bile contains too much cholesterol or too much bilirubin.

-Morphology: The morphology associated with gallstones shows a cholesterol stone that results from the presence of too much cholesterol in the bile.

-Histology: The histology associated with gallstones shows diverse histopathological changes in gallbladder mucosa, namely acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, granulomatous inflammation, hyperplasia, cholesterolosis, dysplasia, and carcinoma.

How does Gallstones Present?

Patients with gallstones typically are female present at the age range of 30-50 years. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with gallstones include irritation and inflammation of the gallbladder.

How are Gallstones Diagnosed?

Gallstones are diagnosed via several different imaging techniques.

How are Gallstones Treated?

Gallstones are treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

What is the Prognosis of Gallstones?

The prognosis of gallstones is good.