Gallstones

Gallstones, medically called cholelithiasis, are hard, pebble-like pieces of material—usually cholesterol or bilirubin—that develop in your gallbladder. These stones range from a grain of sand to a golf ball size, with the gallbladder containing a single large stone, hundreds of tiny stones, or a mixture.
When gallstones block the bile ducts, bile builds up, causing a gallbladder attack with sudden upper right abdominal pain. About 10% of people with gallstones develop symptoms within 5 years, and 25% of women over 60 have gallstones.

Many remain asymptomatic, discovered incidentally during imaging.
Risk factors include being over 40, overweight or obese, female gender, rapid weight loss, and diets high in cholesterol or refined carbohydrates. Women are more affected—one in four women versus one in eight men develop gallstones.
Treatment depends on symptoms. Asymptomatic stones often require watchful waiting. Symptomatic gallstones typically need cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery), the only cure. Nonsurgical options include oral dissolution therapy with ursodiol for small cholesterol stones, ERCP for duct stones, or shock wave lithotripsy.

Prevention involves healthy eating with fiber-rich foods, safe weight loss, and regular physical activity. Untreated blockages can cause serious complications affecting the pancreas, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.