cholelithiasis

cholelithiasis /cho·le·li·thi·a·sis/ (ko″lĕ-lĭ-thi´ah-sis) the presence or formation of gallstones.

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cho·le·li·thi·a·sis (kl-l-th-ss)

n.

The presence or formation of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.

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Cholelithiasis

Also known as gallstones, these hard masses are formed in the gallbladder or passages, and can cause severe upper right abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder, as a result of blocked bile flow.

Mentioned in: Cholecystectomy, Gallstones

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cholelithiasis

[-lithī′əsis]

Etymology: Gk, chole + lithos, stone, osis, condition

the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder. The condition affects about 20% of the population above 40 years of age and is more prevalent in women and in persons with cirrhosis of the liver. Many patients complain of unlocalized abdominal discomfort, eructation, and intolerance to certain foods. Others have no symptoms. In patients with severe attacks of biliary pain associated with cholelithiasis, cholecystectomy is recommended to prevent such complications as cholecystitis, cholangitis, and pancreatitis. Also called chololithiasis. See also biliary calculus, cholecystitis.

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cholelithiasis (kōˈ·l·li·thēˑ··ss),

n gallstones asymptomatically present in the gallbladder. The gallstones form when the relative concentration of bile components is altered.

Cholelithiasis.

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cholelithiasis

the presence or formation of gallstones. Rare in animals, they are usually found in the gallbladder probably secondary to mild cholecystitis. Usually asymptomatic, but occasionally they may cause obstruction of bile ducts or lead to erosion and perforation of the gallbladder with peritonitis. Calcareous stones may form in the bile ducts of cattle with distomiasis.

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obstructive cholelithiasis

blockage of the common bile duct by a gallstone; characterized clinically by severe jaundice, abdominal pain.

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cholelithiasis

The presence of gallstones. See Gallstones.

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Patient discussion about cholelithiasis.

Q. What is a cholecystectomy and how is it done? My Doctor diagnosed me with gallstones and said I have to have a cholecystectomy surgery. What is this and how is it done?

A. Cholecystectomy is a surgery in which the gallbladder is removed. Don't be alarmed since you can live without your gallbladder. When the gallbladder is gone, bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine.
You will probably have a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which means a surgeon will make a small slit in your abdomen, then insert a tubelike instrument which has a camera and surgical instruments attached. This is used to take out the gallbladder with the stones inside it.
This procedure causes less pain than open surgery, is less likely to cause complications, and has a faster recovery time. This surgery is performed in an operating room and you will be under general anesthesia. It usually takes 20 minutes to one hour.

Q. What arethe pros and cons of removingmy gallbladder due to gallstones

A. Pro - solves the problem (gallstones usually don't form in the absence of gall bladder

Cons - operation, with its complications: anesthesia, incision, hernia in the incision, infection etc.
Usually there are no chronic consequences for the absence of gallbladder.

However, this is only general advice - if you have any questions regarding this subject, you should consult a doctor (e.g. general surgeon).

You may read more here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/002930.htm