Gallstones are a common disease, affecting 8-10% of the population. Here are the symptoms and treatments

1. What causes gallstones?

Gallstones are solid lumps that develop in the gallbladder or bile duct (a duct-like system in the liver). Gallstones can vary significantly in size from pebble-like particles to solid objects the size of a golf ball. Smaller stones are more problematic, as they can break out and become stuck in the gallbladder, while larger stones remain in the gallbladder.

Gallstones are divided into two main types: cholesterol stones and pigment stones.

Cholestone stones are made primarily from the cholesterol component in bile. This type of stone is common in Western countries, accounting for 80 – 85%. Studies in Vietnam show that the rate of cholesterol stones accounts for only 30 – 50% of cases. This type of stone is common in obese people, twice as common in women as men, people on a Western diet, and people taking estrogen birth control pills.

Pigment stones are often caused by biliary tract infections, hemolysis, cirrhosis, inflammation or resection of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine).

The cause of gallstones is often metabolic, when the concentration of cholesterol in the bile is too high, it will form crystals, from which gallstones are formed.

Gallstones are solid stones that develop in the gallbladder or bile duct.

2. Symptoms of gallstones