Gallstones - discharge

Chronic cholecystitis - discharge; Dysfunctional gallbladder - discharge; Choledocholithiasis - discharge; Cholelithiasis - discharge; Acute cholecystitis; Cholangitis - discharge

You have gallstones. These are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside your gallbladder.

Most gallstones do not cause symptoms. Sometimes gallstones cause intermittent pain that goes away on its own (biliary colic). This usually does not require hospitalization.

However, because your gallstones caused problems, you were admitted to the hospital. You may have been admitted for cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder usually from gallstones getting blocked in the drainage tubes (bile ducts). You may also have been admitted for complications from this, such as infection in the drainage ducts (cholangitis) or gallstone-related pancreatitis. This article tells you how to take care of yourself when you leave the hospital.

Cholelithiasis

Normally a balance of bile salts, lecithin and cholesterol keep gallstones from forming. If there are abnormally high levels of bile salts or, more commonly, cholesterol, stones can form. Symptoms usually occur when the stones block one of the biliary ducts or gallstones may be discovered upon routine x-ray or abdominal CT study.

When You're in the Hospital

What to Expect at Home

Self-care

When to Call the Doctor