What are Gallstones?
Gallstones are hardened deposits that develop inside the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats. When substances in bile—most commonly cholesterol or bilirubin—become unbalanced, they can harden into stone-like deposits known as gallstones.
Gallstones can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some people develop a single stone, while others have multiple gallstones. Many individuals never experience symptoms, but when a stone blocks the flow of bile, it can cause significant pain and other digestive complications that require medical attention. Our gastroenterologists provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for gallstones and other digestive conditions throughout Central New Jersey.
Types of Gallstones
Not all gallstones are the same. They vary in composition, and understanding the type of gallstone can help determine its underlying cause and the most appropriate treatment.
Cholesterol Gallstones
Cholesterol gallstones are the most common type, accounting for approximately 80% of all gallstones. Despite their name, these stones are not made entirely of cholesterol. They form when bile contains more cholesterol than it can dissolve, causing crystals to develop and gradually harden into stones. Cholesterol gallstones are typically yellow or green in color and are more common in people who are overweight, have diabetes, eat a high-fat diet, or have a family history of gallbladder disease.
Pigment Gallstones
Pigment gallstones are smaller and darker than cholesterol stones because they are made primarily of bilirubin, a substance produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. These stones are more likely to develop in individuals with liver disease, cirrhosis, chronic infections of the bile ducts, or certain blood disorders such as sickle cell disease. While less common than cholesterol gallstones, pigment stones can also block the bile ducts and cause painful symptoms.
Mixed Gallstones
Some gallstones contain a combination of cholesterol, calcium salts, bilirubin, and other substances found in bile. These mixed gallstones may vary in size and composition and can form when multiple factors alter bile chemistry. Regardless of their composition, all types of gallstones can block bile flow and lead to complications if left untreated.
Your gastroenterologist can determine whether gallstones are causing your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your individual condition, overall health, and the severity of your symptoms.
Causes of Gallstones
Gallstones develop when the chemical composition of bile changes, causing solid particles to form inside the gallbladder.Â
Several factors may increase your risk of developing gallstones, including:
- Being over age 40
- Family history of gallstones
- Obesity or being overweight
- Rapid weight loss
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- High-fat or high-cholesterol diets
- Liver disease
- Certain medications, including estrogen therapy
While gallstones cannot always be prevented, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly may help reduce your risk.
Symptoms of Gallstones
Many people have “silent” gallstones that cause no symptoms and are discovered during imaging tests performed for another reason. However, when a gallstone blocks a bile duct, symptoms can appear suddenly and may include:
- Severe pain in the upper right abdomen
- Pain that radiates to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal bloating
- Indigestion, especially after fatty meals
- Fever and chills
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Gallstone pain, also known as biliary colic, often begins after eating a high-fat meal and can last from several minutes to several hours. If symptoms are severe or accompanied by fever or jaundice, immediate medical evaluation is recommended.
How are Gallstones Diagnosed?
Your gastroenterologist will begin by reviewing your symptoms and medical history and performing a physical examination.
Diagnostic testing may include:
- Abdominal ultrasound (the most common test for gallstones)
- CT scan or MRI
- Blood tests to evaluate liver function and look for signs of infection
- Endoscopic procedures, such as ERCP, if a gallstone is suspected in the bile ducts
Early diagnosis can help prevent complications such as gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), pancreatitis, or bile duct obstruction.
Treatment Options for Gallstones in NJ
Treatment depends on whether your gallstones are causing symptoms.
If gallstones are not causing discomfort, treatment may not be necessary, and your provider may simply recommend monitoring the condition and eating a low fat diet.Â
For symptomatic gallstones, treatment options may include:
- Dietary modifications, including limiting high-fat foods
- Medications in select cases to dissolve certain cholesterol stones (used less commonly)
- Referral for minimally invasive gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy), which is the most common and effective treatment for recurring symptomatic gallstones
If a gallstone becomes lodged in the common bile duct, an endoscopic procedure called ERCP may be performed to remove the obstruction before surgery if necessary.
When Should You See a Gastroenterologist?
You should schedule an evaluation if you experience recurring upper abdominal pain, nausea after meals, unexplained digestive discomfort, or symptoms that suggest gallstones. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve your quality of life.
Make an Appointment
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gallstones or have been diagnosed with gallbladder disease, the experienced team at Digestive Healthcare Center is here to help. We offer comprehensive evaluation, advanced diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment plans to relieve your symptoms and protect your digestive health.
Contact Digestive Healthcare Center today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced gastroenterologists and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Digestive Healthcare in New Jersey
Our team of gastroenterologists at Digestive Healthcare Center wants to help you live a healthier and more comfortable life, by helping you put your digestive health first. Please contact us today to make an appointment – either at one of our three gastroenterology centers in NJ or from the comfort of your home via a virtual telemedicine visit.