Gallstones
Gallstones
Anatomy and physiology The biliary tract starts at the hepatocyte canaliculi, which empty into biliary ductules. Larger ducts join the right and left hepatic ducts, which drain into the common hepatic duct at the porta hepatis. When the…
Cholecystitis
Acute calculous cholecystitis. Inflammation of the gallbladder is associated with gallstones in more than 90% of cases. It is a common problem, presenting as an acute abdomen, especially in middle-aged women. Acute calculous cholecystitis is caused by obstruction…
Choledocholithiasis
Pathogenesis Stones in the bile ducts may be primary (develop in the duct) or secondary (originate in the gallbladder). If they are discovered after cholecystectomy, they may have been overlooked (retained) or may have formed after the surgery…
Gallstone Disease
Gallstone disease is a major health problem in the United States. It affects approximately 20% of adult Americans. Gallstones are formed by the precipitation of insoluble bile constituents: cholesterol, polymerized bilirubin, bile pigments, calcium salts, and proteins. Gallstones…