Cholelithiasis
摘要
Cholelithiasis or biliary lithiasis can be defined as the formation of stones inside the gallbladder. These stones are usually composed of cholesterol. In the early stages of the disease, patients are usually asymptomatic. However, they may provoke symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms occur when the stones obstruct the gallbladder or any other biliary duct and disrupt the flow of bile, which can cause fever and jaundice. For diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging can be used to evaluate the presence of lithiasis and its complications. When cholelithiasis become symptomatic, cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) must be indicated.