Qu'est-ce que les calculs biliaires (cholélithiase symptomatique) ?

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**Question:** What is Gallstones (Symptomatic Cholelithiasis)?



**Answer:**



**Gallstones**​ are hard deposits that form‌ in‍ the gallbladder, a small organ located ‍beneath the liver. ‍They are primarily composed of cholesterol ​and bile pigments. When​ gallstones block ‌the flow of bile from ‍the gallbladder into the small ‌intestine, they‌ cause inflammation‌ and‌ pain, resulting in a ⁢condition known as **symptomatic cholelithiasis**.



**Keywords:** Gallstones, ​symptomatic⁢ cholelithiasis, gallbladder, bile



**Causes:**



*⁢ **High cholesterol levels in bile:** Excess cholesterol can form‌ crystals that aggregate⁢ into gallstones.

* **Bile supersaturation:** Too much bile or ⁣not enough bile acids can lead to stone ‌formation.

* **Slow gallbladder emptying:** ​Impaired​ gallbladder motility can⁣ allow ⁣bile to become concentrated and‌ form gallstones.



**Risk ⁣Factors:**



* **Age:** Risk increases with age

* ⁤**Female gender:** Women are‌ more likely⁣ to develop gallstones⁣ than ⁣men

* **Obesity:** ⁢Excess⁢ weight increases⁤ cholesterol production

* **Rapid weight loss:** Rapid weight‍ loss can release excess cholesterol into ‌bile

* **Certain medical‍ conditions:** Diabetes, inflammatory⁤ bowel disease, celiac disease

* **Family history:** Having a family member with⁢ gallstones increases risk



**Symptoms:**



* **Abdominal pain:** Sudden, severe pain‌ in the upper right abdomen or between⁤ the shoulder blades

* **Nausea and vomiting:** Associated⁢ with abdominal pain

* **Fever and chills:** If the‌ gallbladder becomes infected due to blocked ​ducts

*​ **Dark urine:** Bile pigments may accumulate in urine

* **Light-colored stools:** Obstructed bile flow ‌prevents⁣ bilirubin‌ from reaching the intestines



**Diagnosis:**



* ⁢**Ultrasound:** ⁣Usually the first ⁢test used to detect gallstones

* **Magnetic Resonance Imaging‍ (MRI):** ⁤Alternative to ultrasound,⁣ especially for diagnosing small stones

* **Other tests:** Blood tests, ​endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)



**Treatment:**



* **Observation:** For small, asymptomatic gallstones, observation may⁣ be sufficient.

*⁤ **Medications:** Ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursodiol) can dissolve small gallstones in some cases.

* **Surgery:** ​**Cholecystectomy**, the surgical removal of ‍the gallbladder, is the definitive treatment for symptomatic gallstones.



**Prevention:**



* **Maintain a healthy weight:** Obesity increases risk

* **Limit saturated and trans‍ fats:** High levels can increase cholesterol formation

* **Increase dietary fiber:** Fiber helps bind cholesterol‍ and reduce absorption

* **Exercise ‌regularly:** Improves gallbladder function

* **Encourage gallbladder emptying:** Drink plenty of fluids and eat foods that stimulate bile ⁤production, such as⁣ coffee and ‌citrus fruits