The gallbladder is a small sac on the underside of the liver. Bile (also called gall) is a greenish-brown liquid produced by the liver. It's stored and concentrated in the gallbladder and passed into the small intestine (through the bile ducts) to help with digestion, mainly of fats.
Gallstones occur when bile, which is normally fluid, forms stones. They contain lumps of cholesterol-like (fatty) material that has solidified and hardened. Sometimes, bile pigments or calcium deposits can form gallstones. Some people have many very small stones, like fine gravel, and some have a single stone that's big enough to completely fill the gallbladder.
One in 10 people will develop gallstones. Women, people over 40 and overweight people are more likely to develop them. Gallstones are also more likely if:
- your bile contains too much cholesterol,
- the outlet from your gallbladder is blocked or infected, or
- you have a family history of gallstones.
Gallstones are often discovered by accident, when you have an X-ray or ultrasound scan for another reason. In these cases, it's usually best to leave them alone unless they produce symptoms.
Glossary
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance made by the body that lives in blood and tissue. It is used to make bile acid, hormones and vitamin D.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, brought on by liver problems.
Liver
The liver is the largest organ in the body. Its main jobs are to secrete bile (to help digestion), detoxify the blood and change food into energy.
Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a small organ found just under the liver, which stores bile for digestion.
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
