Gall+Stones

//By: Spencer// Definition: These are "crystalline bodies" that are found in the body, and can be linked to the concentration of to many bile components. They mainly occur in the gallbladder, but can also be found in the bile duct, and other than that there is really no other place that they reside. Their size can range anywhere from a grain of sand to a golfball. Stones also ban be developed into one single stone, or a few small stones, and in some reported cases even thousands of tiny stones. Gallstone can be divided into two different catagories: Cholesterol Stones and Pigment Stones. Cholesterol Stones: they tend to appear as green but in some cases they can also be yellow. These are made up of mostly cholesterol, and account for 80% of all reported gallstones Pigment Stones: these stones tend to be smaller than Cholesterol Stones, and they are darker because they are made up of bilirubin and calcium saults which are found in bile. They accound for 20% of all reported cases of Gallstones, but these however are more dangerous. Risks include: Cirrhosis, bilary tract infections, and hereditary blood cell disorders, one of which is sickle cell anemia. Cholesterol Gallstones take shape when bile contains to much cholesterol and not enough of the bile saults. Another factor is how often the Gallbladder contracts, which is important because emptying of the Gallbladder may cause the bile to become overconcentrated and thus cause the formantion of Gallstones. Another factor is the presence of proteins in the liver and also the bile that live in cholesterol crystallization into gallstones. Increased levels of hormone oestrogen can lead to a rise in collesterol which then leads to the formation of Gallstones. The major symptom that a person has from Gallstones, is intense abdominal pain that only increases over a short period of time. Back pains may also occur, right in between the shoulder blades or under the shoulder's them self. Pain in the stomach that developes can also be accounted for Gallstones. Throwing up will occur as a side effect. The main surgical option that people choose is Cholecystectomy. THis opperation has a 99% chance of getting rid of the recurrence of cholelithiasis. People mainly choose this option because of its high sucess rate. Another option that has a lower sucess rate is refurred to as the "Gallbladder Flush". This is where you drink certain liquids that clean out your Gallbladder, and are supposed to dissolve these stones that a person can have in their body. Again this surgury doesn't have as high of sucess rate as does the Cheolecystectomy, but it can work.
 * Gallstones**
 * About Gallstones**
 * Types**
 * Effects Of Gallstones On The Body**
 * Surgery**

Sources: Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gall_stones