TRC: Cholelithiasis

Cholelithiasis

When bile becomes too concentrated, crystals can be formed. Bile salts and phospholipids keep cholesterol in a micellar solution. When there is a shortage of bile salts or a surplus of cholesterol, not all the cholesterol can remain dissolved and gall stones aree formed. In cholelithiasis, the crystals/stones are small enough to pass through the bile duct.

If the crystals and stones become too large, they can damage the wall of the gallbladder and block the bile duct. Since the bile cannot be released (cholestasis, the pressure in the bladder elevates and causes pain. In severe cases, the gallbladder can become infected (cholecystitis).