# Cholelithiasis --- **Cholelithiasis** is also known as "gallstones", which form from precipitations of substances in [[bile]] that back up and form these deposits. It is literally the "slowing of bile", which is essentially how they're created. Also any abnormalities in the composition of the bile and any inflammation of the gallbladder. They're actually quite common, 10% of adults have some. If it gets bad enough it can lead to [[cholecystitis]], or an inflammation of the gallbladder. There are two different types of stones. About 75% are [[cholesterol]] stones and 25% are calcium salts and [[red blood cell recycling|bilirubin]] stones. ## Risk Factors - AFAB - 2x more common - age - pretty uncommon in children and young adults - [[type 2 diabetes mellitus|type 2 diabetes]] - obesity - multiple pregnancies - weight fluctuations - oral contraceptives - genetics # Signs & Symptoms A lot of the times there are no symptoms of cholelithiasis. When it's bad enough that there is an obstruction of the bile flow there can be: - pain in upper right abdomen or epigastric pain - referred pain to the back (referred to as **biliary colic**) - nausea vomiting - jaundice/grey stools - [[red blood cell recycling|bilirubin]] is building up in the blood and not the digestive system - [[vitamin#Fat Soluble Vitamins|fat soluble vitamin]] deficiencies - interferes with absorption ## Diagnostic Tests - ultrasounds are the primary tests - the specialized test is called an **MRCP** - endoscope - can also treat during this test - moderate sedation/NPO prior ## Treatment Treatment for cholelithiasis consists of removal of the gallstones if possible. Perhaps even removal of the gallbladder itself, if it's bad enough. ___