Cholelithiasis

Background: Cholelithiasis involves the presence of gallstones, which are concretions that form in the biliary tract, usually in the gallbladder. Choledocholithiasis refers to the presence of 1 or more gallstones in the common bile duct (CBD). Treatment of gallstones depends on the stage of disease. Signs and Symptoms: Gallstone disease may be thought of as having the following 4 stages: Lithogenic state, in which conditions favor gallstone formation Asymptomatic gallstones Symptomatic gallstones, characterized by episodes…