Gallstones

Gallstones occur when bile, which is normally fluid, forms stones. They commonly contain lumps of cholesterol-like (fatty) material that has solidified and hardened. Sometimes bile pigments or calcium deposits form gallstones. Sometimes just a few small stones are formed, sometimes a great many. Occasionally, just one large stone is formed.

About 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 6 men, form gallstones at some stage in their life. They become more common with increasing age. The risk of forming gallstones increases with pregnancy, obesity, and if you take certain medicines. Being vegetarian and drinking a moderate amount of alcohol reduces the risk of forming gallstones.

Gallstones are common but usually cause no symptoms. They sometimes cause problems such as pain, jaundice, pancreatitis, and gallbladder inflammation. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is common.