41. Gallstones - Patient UK gallstones are common but usually cause no symptoms. They inflammation. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is common. gallstones. http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc.asp?doc=23068740

42. Gallstones MR This patient had an MR for evaluation of a pheochromcytoma. The scan shows a myriad of incidental gallstones. Click here to go back to index http://www1.stpaulshosp.bc.ca/stpaulsstuff/NeatcasesF/GBf/GBS_MR.html

Gall Stones MR Click here for a higher quality GIF image This patient had an MR for evaluation of a pheochromcytoma. The scan shows a myriad of incidental gallstones. Click here to go back to index

43. Management Of Gallstones And Their Complications - March 15, 2000 - American Aca AFP March 15, 2000. Management of gallstones and Their Complications. AIJAZ AHMED, MD 1. Pathogenesis of gallstones. gallstones found in http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000315/1673.html

Advanced Search Management of Gallstones and Their Complications AIJAZ AHMED, M.D., RAMSEY C. CHEUNG, M.D., and EMMET B. KEEFFE, M.D. Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California A patient information handout on gallstones and their treatment, written by Joseph Cooney, a medical editing clerk at Georgetown University Medical Center, is provided on page 1687. The accurate differentiation of gallstone-induced biliary colic from other abdominal disease processes is the most crucial step in the successful management of gallstone disease. Despite the availability of many imaging techniques to demonstrate the presence of gallstones, clinical judgment ultimately determines the association of symptoms with cholelithiasis and its complications. Adult patients with silent or incidental gallstones should be observed and managed expectantly, with few exceptions. In symptomatic patients, the intervention varies with the type of gallstone-induced complication. In this article, we review the salient clinical features, diagnostic tests and therapeutic options employed in the management of gallstones and their complications. (Am Fam Physician 2000;61:1673-80,1687-8.) G allstones are a major cause of morbidity worldwide, and cholecystectomy is the most commonly performed abdominal surgery in medicine. Gallstone-induced complications have a limited and overlapping pattern of clinical presentation.

44. Gallstones gallstones, Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis, gallstone ileus. gallstones. . Gallstone a calculus http://www.med-help.net/Gallstones.html

Gallstones Gallstone: a calculus formed in the gallbladder or bile duct. Gallbladder and biliary tract disorders: includes Cholecystitis cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis cholangitis , and gallstone ileus Gallbladder and biliary tract disorders are common and frequently painful conditions that usually require surgery and may be life-threatening. Usually they often accompany calculus deposition and inflammation. Gallbladder and duct diseases usually occur in middle age. They are more common in women, but incidence in both sexes becomes equal after age 50. Cholecystitis: acute or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder is usually associated with a gallstone impacted in the cystic duct, causing painful distention of the gallbladder. Prognosis is good with treatment. The acute form is most common during middle age; the chronic form, among the elderly. Cholangitis: infection of the bile duct. It is commonly associated with choledocholithiasis (calculi in the common bile duct) and may follow percutaneous (performed through the skin) transhepatic cholangiography (radiography of the bile ducts). Widespread inflammation may cause fibrosis and stenosis of the common bile duct and biliary radicles. Prognosis for the rare condition is poor- stenosing or primary sclerosing cholangitis is almost always fatal. Cholelithiasis: stones or calculi in the gallbladder (gallstones), results from changes in bile components. It is the leading biliary tract disease, affecting over 20 million Americans, and accounts for the third most common surgical procedure performed in the United States. (Cholecystectomy)

45. CLF : Gallstones gallstones What are gallstones? gallstones are cholesterol crystals or pigment material that form in the gall bladder. How are gallstones formed? http://www.liver.ca/english/liverdisease/gallstones.html

CLF Regional Offices Find a Location BC/Yukon Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba GTA S.W. Ontario Central Ontario S.E. Ontario Quebec Atlantic Can. Gallstones What are gallstones? Gallstones are cholesterol crystals or pigment material that form in the gall bladder. What is the gall bladder and what does it do? The gall bladder is a pouch that sits beside the liver and stores bile, which is a greeny-yellow fluid produced by the liver. During digestion, the gall bladder releases bile into the small intestine where it helps in dissolving fats. How are gallstones formed? Some bile components (such as cholesterol) are not very soluble. When there is too much of these bile components, they separate and form a solid. This process causes the formation of gallstones - also known as cholelithiasis. Are all gallstones the same? No. There are different types of gallstones, depending on what component of the bile has solidified. Also, the stones can vary in size ranging from tiny, sand like particles less that one millimetre in diameter to more than four centimetres in diameter. Almost 90 per cent of gallstones are composed of cholesterol; the remainder consist of pigment material (bilirubin). The reason for the formation of pigment stones is not yet fully understood; however, some people with blood disorders such as homolysis (eg. sickle cell anemia) are at risk for developing pigment stones since the excessive destruction of red blood cell produces bilirubin, a bile pigment.

46. Atkins Nutritionals: Why Atkins Works: Debunking The Myths: Fact Vs. Fallacy, Pa Fact There is now overwhelming scientific evidence that gallstones (responsible for more than 90 percent of gallbladder disease are formed when fat intake is http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/12/18-292461.html

Why Atkins Works Debunking the Myths > Fact vs. Fallacy, Part 5 Articles: Fact vs. Fallacy, Part 1 Fact vs. Fallacy, Part 2 Fact vs. Fallacy, Part 3 Fact vs. Fallacy, Part 4 Fact vs. Fallacy, Part 5 Of the many misconceptions that surround the Atkins Nutritional Approach TM Fallacy: A nutritional approach that promotes a liberal intake of high-fat meats and dairy products will raise cholesterol levels, ultimately leading to heart disease. Fact: It is true that every major health organization, as well as the U.S. government, endorses a low-fat diet in the unquestioned belief that fat causes heart disease. But are they right? A good deal of compelling evidence points in the opposite direction. A growing body of scientific literature demonstrates that a controlled carbohydrate eating plan, if followed correctly, promotes heart health and improves clinical health markers. One study, conducted by Jeff S. Volek, M.S., R.D., Ph.D., while at Ball State University, showed the positive effects of a controlled carbohydrate nutritional approach on triglyceride levels. The study consisted of 12 healthy men, ages 20 to 55, who followed a controlled carbohydrate program adhering to the Atkins protocols for eight weeks. Upon completion of the study, each participant lowered his triglyceride levels by an average of 55 percent

47. Gallstones Cleanse, Gallbladder Surgery And Gallstones, Liver And Gallbaldder Ga Anatomy Liver, Gallbladder, Common bile duct, Duodenum, Pancreas. Liver Cleanse Gallbladder Cleanse gallstones Cleanse. Liver Health gallstones. http://home.online.no/~dusan/gallstones/gallstones_flush.html

Liver Cleanse - Gallbladder Cleanse - Gallstones Cleanse AVOID GALLBLADDER SURGERY -LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY Gall stone,Cholelithiasis, Gallstones disease Liver Cleanse - Gallstones Flush Recipe Here you will find 5 different Gallstones Flush cleanse recipes Read our stories: #1 How I removed my gallstones without doctors, surgery or medication #2 How I removed my gallstones without doctors, surgery or medication Here is an example of intrahepatic obstruction with a small stone in an intrahepatic bile duct: http://www-medlib.med.utah.edu/WebPath/LIVEHTML/LIVER022.html Gallbladder surgically removed: Gall Stones This photo was obtained from Edward C. Klatt MD, University of Utah Health Science Center It is possible for a stone to exit the gallbladder via the cystic duct. It may then produce obstruction of cystic duct, or it may get into the common bile duct and obstruct that. It may obstruct at the ampulla of Vater and produce a pancreatitis. Biliary tract obstruction leads to jaundice with increased total and direct bilirubin in serum . Judging from the size of the stones, and from the number, those stones have been created inside liver, inside hepatic bile ducts, and then have rolled down to the gallbladder.

48. HealingWell.com Library - News And Articles HealingWell.com Community, Information, Resources, Search Site Search Web HealthPortal Diseases and Conditions Gallbladder gallstones. http://healingwellgastro.subportal.com/health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Gallbladde

Search Site: Search Web: HealthPortal Diseases and Conditions Gallbladder Gallstones News: Coffee Fails Gall Bladder Test Study disputes earlier one on preventing stones Sponsored by: Research Your Illness! Get Your Medifocus Medguide Bookstore Video Health Center Watch Doctor Produced Webcasts Free HealingWell Newsletter! Get our best features delivered directly to you. HTML Text AOL Sponsored by: Research Your Illness! Get Your Medifocus Medguide We subscribe to the HONcode principles of the Health On the Net Foundation Visit WellnessBooks.com Home Conditions ... Search HealingWell.com, Version 3.0 HealingWell.com

49. Causes And Symptoms Of Gallstones gallstones may be caused by several factors including inherited body chemistry, obesity, crashdieting and fasting, estrogen levels, and efficiency of http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/950732863.html

Search Articles: search tips Please Take the HealthLink Survey Email this article Print this article Find related articles: By topic: Digestive System Women's Health By keywords: gallbladder cholelithiasis Receive Health Link via email! Subscribe now >> Causes and Symptoms of Gallstones The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen. The gallbladder's primary functions are to store and concentrate bile, and to secrete bile through small ducts into the small intestine to help digest food. Bile, a fluid produced by the liver, contains water, cholesterol, lipids (fats), bile salts (natural detergents that break up fat), and the bile pigment bilirubin. What are Gallstones? Gallstones are hard crystal-like particles that form in the gallbladder from substances in bile. Cholesterol stones are usually white or yellow and account for about 80% of gallstones. The other 20% of gallstones are small dark pigment stones made of bilirubin and calcium salts. Risk factors for pigment stones include cirrhosis, biliary tract infections, and hereditary blood cell disorders like sickle cell anemia. Gallstones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The gallbladder may develop a single large stone or many smaller ones, even several thousand.

50. Diagnosis And Treatment Of Gallstones gallstones are most often diagnosed with a painless, noninvasive ultrasound examination. Diagnosis and Treatment of gallstones. How are gallstones Diagnosed? http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/950733445.html

Search Articles: search tips Please Take the HealthLink Survey Email this article Print this article Find related articles: By topic: Digestive System Women's Health By keywords: gallbladder cholecystectomy Receive Health Link via email! Subscribe now >> Diagnosis and Treatment of Gallstones How are Gallstones Diagnosed? Most people with gallstones have what are called silent stones; they have no symptoms. Many times gallstones are detected during an abdominal x-ray, computerized axial tomography (CT) scan, or abdominal ultrasound that has been taken for an unrelated problem or complaint. But steady severe pain in the upper abdomen which may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, pain between the shoulder blades, or in the right shoulder, are symptoms of a gallstone attack. When actually looking for gallstones, the most common diagnostic tool is ultrasound. An ultrasound examination uses sound waves. Pulses of sound waves are sent into the abdomen to create an image of the gallbladder. If stones are present, the sound waves will bounce off the stones, revealing their location. Ultrasound is a painless noninvasive technique, which means nothing is injected into or penetrates the body. No radiation is involved. How are Gallstones Treated?

51. Gallstones - First Aid For Minor Emergencies First Aid. gallstones. What are gallstones? gallstones form when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens into stonelike material. About gallstones. http://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/gallstones.htm

First Aid Preventing Unintentional Injuries When to Call For Help Household Safety Checklist ... First Aid Site Index First Aid Gallstones What are gallstones? Gallstones form when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens into stone-like material. Too much cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin (bile pigment) can cause gallstones. About Gallstones There are two types of gallstones: cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Eighty percent of gallstones are cholesterol stones. The size of gallstones varies from a grain of salt to golf-ball size. A person can develop a single stone or several hundred. When gallstones are present in the gallbladder itself, it is called cholelithiasis. When gallstones are present in the bile ducts, it is called choledocholithias. Gallstones that obstruct bile ducts can lead to a severe or life-threatening infection of the bile ducts, pancreas, or liver. Bile ducts can also be obstructed by cancer or trauma. What causes gallstones? Cholesterol stones are believed to form when bile contains too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin, not enough bile salts, or when the gallbladder does not empty as it should for some other reason. Pigment stones tend to develop in people who have cirrhosis, biliary tract infections, and hereditary blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia. The causes of these stones are uncertain.

52. Gallstones - Liver, Hepatic, Biliary Disorders Health Guide Definition, indicators, diagnosis and treatments for gallstones. Plenty of useful medical information on gallstones. gallstones. What are gallstones? http://www.umm.edu/liver/gallston.htm

Liver, Hepatic, Biliary Disorders The Liver Biliary Systems... Cholecystitis ... Site Index Liver Disease Gallstones What are gallstones? Gallstones form when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens into stone-like material. Too much cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin (bile pigment) can cause gallstones. When gallstones are present in the gallbladder itself, it is called cholelithiasis. When gallstones are present in the bile ducts, it is called choledocholithias. Gallstones that obstruct bile ducts can lead to severe or life-threatening infection of the bile ducts, pancreas, or liver. Bile ducts can also be obstructed by cancer or trauma. About Gallstones There are two types of gallstones: cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Eighty percent of gallstones are cholesterol stones. Size of gallstones varies from a grain of salt to golf-ball size. A person can develop a single stone or several hundred. What are the symptoms of gallstones? At first, most gallstones do not cause symptoms. However, when gallstones become larger, or when they begin obstructing bile ducts, symptoms or "attacks" begin to occur. Attacks of gallstones usually occur after a fatty meal and at night. The following are the most common symptoms of gallstones. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: pain that comes and goes in the abdomen nausea vomiting fever chills jaundice abdominal bloating intolerance of fatty foods belching or gas indigestion

53. InteliHealth: Gallstones listed and crossreferenced in an AZ format. gallstones. Health A to Z, Reviewed by the Faculty of Harvard Medical School gallstones http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/10046.html

chrome_imgPreload('gifChr_mid_but_home_mo_1','http://img.intelihealth.com/i/C/Chr_mid_but_home-o.gif'); chrome_imgPreload('gifChr_mid_but_comm_mo_2','http://img.intelihealth.com/i/C/Chr_mid_but_comm-o.gif'); chrome_imgPreload('gifChr_mid_but_dental_mo_3','http://img.intelihealth.com/i/C/Chr_mid_but_dental-o.gif'); chrome_imgPreload('gifChr_mid_but_drug_mo_4','http://img.intelihealth.com/i/C/Chr_mid_but_drug-o.gif'); chrome_imgPreload('gifChr_mid_but_askexpert_mo_5','http://img.intelihealth.com/i/C/Chr_mid_but_askexpert-o.gif'); chrome_imgPreload('gifChr_mid_but_medical_mo_6','http://img.intelihealth.com/i/C/Chr_mid_but_medical-o.gif'); chrome_imgPreload('gifChr_mid_but_chats_mo_7','http://img.intelihealth.com/i/C/Chr_mid_but_chats-o.gif'); chrome_imgPreload('gifchr_mid_but_news_mo_8','http://img.intelihealth.com/i/c/chr_mid_but_news-o.gif'); chrome_imgPreload('gifChr_mid_but_privacy_mo_9','http://img.intelihealth.com/i/C/Chr_mid_but_privacy-o.gif'); Advertisement Gallstones What Is It? Symptoms Diagnosis Expected Duration ... Additional Info What Is It? Gallstones are rocklike nuisances that can form inside the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a pouch that collects bile as it flows from the liver to the intestine through the bile ducts. Bile is a fluid that is made, in part, to help with digestion. The salts in bile make it easier for you to digest fats. However, bile also contains some waste products including cholesterol and bilirubin (created when old red blood cells are destroyed). Gallstones form in the gallbladder when cholesterol or bilirubin particles begin to cluster together into a solid lump. The stone grows in size as the bile fluid washes over it, much like a pearl can form inside an oyster.

54. Dieting And Gallstones dieting and gallstones. loss. Gradual weight loss can lower the risk for obesityrelated gallstones. What are gallstones? gallstones http://www.seekwellness.com/weight/dieting_and_gallstones.htm

home wellness pelvic health other conditions ... contact us // syntax: swSlideMenu(id, dir, left, top, width, height) new swSlideMenu('menu1', 'down', 230, 91, 180, 350); new swSlideMenu('menu2', 'down', 295, 91, 180, 350); new swSlideMenu('menu3', 'down', 381, 91, 180, 350); new swSlideMenu('menu4', 'down', 487, 91, 180, 350); home wellness weight control risks and commitment dieting and gallstones fitness health consumerism mental health nutrition ... the importance of becoming fit dieting and gallstones PRODUCTS ORDER NOW Comment from Dr. Cederquist "This is a very good overview of the risks of gallstones, a risk associated with weight loss." What are gallstones? What causes gallstones? What are the symptoms of gallstones? Is obesity a risk factor for gallstones? ... Additional Reading If you are overweight or obese, you can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some forms of cancer by losing weight. People who are overweight are at greater risk for developing gallstones than people who are at a healthy weight. When choosing a weight-loss program, be aware that the risk for developing gallstones increases with quick weight loss or a large weight loss. Gradual weight loss can lower the risk for obesity-related gallstones.

55. Gallstones Basics The Basics Symptoms Detection Treatment Prevention What Are gallstones? gallstones You may have several gallstones or just one. Ten http://www.hipusa.com/eTools/webmd/A-Z_Encyclopedia/gallstonesbasics.htm

The Basics Symptoms Prevention What Are Gallstones? Gallstones are crystal-like deposits that develop in the gallbladder a small, pear-shaped organ that stores bile, a digestive juice produced by the liver. These deposits may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball; they may be hard or soft, smooth or jagged. You may have several gallstones or just one. Ten percent of men and 20% of women in the United States have gallstones or will develop them at some time in life, yet most of those who have the condition do not realize it. In this case, what you don't know probably won't hurt you; gallstones that are simply floating around inside the gallbladder generally cause no symptoms and no harm. These "silent" stones usually go unnoticed unless they show up in an ultrasound examination conducted for some other reason. However, the longer a stone exists in the gallbladder, the more likely it is to become problematic. People who have gallstones without symptoms have a 1% to 2% chance per year of having an episode of pain. When symptoms do occur, it's usually because the gallstone has moved and become lodged within the cystic duct, a small conduit that connects the gallbladder to another tube called the common bile duct. The typical symptom is abdominal pain, perhaps accompanied by nausea, indigestion, or fever. The pain, caused by the gallbladder's contraction against the lodged stone, generally occurs within an hour of eating a large meal or in the middle of the night. Stones can also clog the common bile duct, which carries bile into the small intestine.

56. Typhoid Mary S Gallstones To Blame Typhoid Mary s gallstones to blame. The bacteria that cause typhoid fever cling to gallstones. 23 May 2001 gallstones (green) could harbour typhoid bacteria. http://www.nature.com/nsu/010524/010524-12.html

57. Gallstones & Kidney Stones gallstones Kidney Stones I just found out that I have gallstones and kidney stones. Are the two related? JKA. Ronen Arai Dr. Arai http://www.ivillagehealth.com/experts/digestive/qas/0,,166108_170252,00.html

var cimsCid = ''; var cimsUid = '170252'; // Tacoda category stamp var dartCatStamp = "ahw_ahwexperts_ahwdigest"; Tacoda_AMS_DDC_addPair("dartCatStamp", dartCatStamp); main iVILLAGE'S BEST: setImp('spn,prpl,bnav,0604') Summer Shape Up Self-Tanning Tips setImp('spn,yh,pers,bnav,0604') What Men Think Infertility Treatments SEARCH: iVillage the Web you are here: iVillage ivillagehealth experts digestive health setImp('ivl,frd,hl') watch this Birth From 21 Year Frozen Sperm Aspirin Enters The Cancer Fight FAMILY HEALTH RESOURCES Choose one 10-Minute Checkups Alternative Treatments Ask the Librarian Birth Control A-to-Z Disease Action Plans Drug Directory Expert Advice Health Calculator Health Organizations Herbal Remedies Kids' Symptom Solver Supplement Guide Symptom Solver Tests and Procedures Wellness Diets TOP 100 WOMEN'S HEALTH CONCERNS Choose one Acupuncture Allergies Alzheimer's Disease Androgen Anxiety Disorders Asthma Atherosclerosis Attention Deficit Bacterial Vaginosis Biofeedback Bipolar Disorder Birth Control Pills Blood Donation Breast Cancer Caregiving Cervical Cancer Chiropractic Chlamydia Cholesterol Chronic Fatigue Clinical Trials Colon Cancer Contraception Depression Diabetes Dry Eye Syndrome Eating Disorders Endometriosis Epilepsy Estrogen Fibroids Fibromyalgia Fitness Flu/Colds Gastroesophageal General Women's Health Genetic Testing Genital Herpes Glaucoma Gonorrhea HIV/AIDS Health Insurance Heart Disease Hepatitis High Blood Pressure Homeopathy Human Papillomavirus Hypnosis Hysterectomy Incontinence Infertility Irritable Bowel Legal Health Tools Liposuction

58. What Are Gallstones? gallstones are collections of hard, solid material that form in the gallbladder. The medical name for gallstones is cholelithiasis (KOLe-lee-thigh-e-sis). http://yourmedicalsource.com/library/gallstones/GS_whatis.html

Gallstones Place mouse pointer over this symbol for definition. What Are Gallstones? What Are The Symptoms Of Gallstones? How Do Gallstones Cause Illness? Who Is At Risk For Gallstones? ... Additional Sources Of Information Other helpful websites: Yahoo! Health WebMD NIH What Are Gallstones? Gallstones are collections of hard, solid material that form in the gallbladder . Some may be the size of a grain of sand, or they may be crystals that can be seen only with a microscope. Others may be the size of a golf ball. People can develop just one large stone, hundreds of smaller stones, or combinations of both. The medical name for gallstones is cholelithiasis (KOL-e-lee-thigh-e-sis). Gallstones are one of several kinds of stones, or calculi, that can form in the body. Stones also develop in other hollow organs or ducts in the body. Kidney stones, for instance, may occur in the kidneys, urinary bladder, or urinary ducts. What Is The Gallbladder? The gallbladder is a hollow, pear-shaped organ with tough, muscular walls. It is located in the upper right-hand part of the abdomen , just beneath the liver . The gallbladder is about 3 to 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. It is connected to the liver small intestine , and pancreas by small tubes, or ducts. The function of the gallbladder is to store

59. Gallstones Note All links within content go to MayoClinic.com. Diseases and Conditions. gallstones. Like many people, you may have gallstones and not know it. http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00165.html

International Edition MEMBER SERVICES The Web CNN.com Home Page World U.S. Weather ... Special Reports SERVICES Video E-mail Services CNNtoGO Contact Us SEARCH Web CNN.com In association with: INFORMATION CENTERS: Pick a category Health Centers Family Health Men's Health Women's Health Children's Health Seniors' Health Working Life Pain Management Condition Centers Immune System Allergy Alzheimer's Arthritis Respiratory System Cancer Endocrine System Digestive System Heart and Blood Infectious Disease Mental Health Note: All links within content go to MayoClinic.com Diseases and Conditions Gallstones From MayoClinic.com Special to CNN.com Overview According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as one in 12 Americans has gallstones. You're at greater risk of developing gallstones if you're older, female or overweight. A diet high in fat and sugar along with a sedentary lifestyle also increases your risk. So does rapid weight loss or eating a very low-calorie diet. Complications from gallstones can be serious, and even fatal, if left untreated. Fortunately, treatment is usually straightforward, and newer techniques often allow faster recovery time. Your gallbladder is a 3- to 4-inch-long, pear-shaped sac tucked just below your liver on your right side. It serves as a reservoir for bile produced by your liver. Bile is a greenish-brown fluid that ...

60. Gallstones ....... gallstones. Definition. gallstones can migrate to other parts of the digestive tract and cause severe pain with lifethreatening complications. http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/gallstones.html

Encyclopedia Index G Home Encyclopedia Encyclopedia Index G Gallstones Definition A gallstone is a solid crystal deposit that forms in the gallbladder, which is a pear-shaped organ that stores bile salts until they are needed to help digest fatty foods. Gallstones can migrate to other parts of the digestive tract and cause severe pain with life-threatening complications. Description Gallstones vary in size and chemical structure. A gallstone may be as tiny as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Eighty percent of gallstones are composed of cholesterol. They are formed when the liver produces more cholesterol than digestive juices can liquefy. The remaining 20% of gallstones are composed of calcium and an orange-yellow waste product called bilirubin. Bilirubin gives urine its characteristic color and sometimes causes jaundice Gallstones are the most common of all gallbladder problems. They are responsible for 90% of gallbladder and bile duct disease, and are the fifth most common reason for hospitalization of adults in the United States. Gallstones usually develop in adults between the ages of 20 and 50; about 20% of patients with gallstones are over 40. The risk of developing gallstones increases with ageat least 20% of people over 60 have a single large stone or as many as several thousand smaller ones. The gender ratio of gallstone patients changes with age. Young women are between two and six times more likely to develop gallstones than men in the same age group. In patients over 50, the condition affects men and women with equal frequency. Native Americans develop gallstones more often than any other segment of the population; Mexican-Americans have the second-highest incidence of this disease.

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Page 3     41-60 of 107    Back | 1  | 2  | 3  | 4  | 5  | 6  | Next 20