So, what is the catch with Cholelithiasis?

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Cholelithiasis is a disease in which concentrations of crystalized cholesterol and bilirubin salts are found in the gallbladder creating "stones." These stones vary in size and number and can either be asymptomatic or contribute to extreme discomfort in the patient.

To understand gallstones and their dietary implications, we first need to understand the anatomy and physiology of the gallbladder.

The gallbladder is tucked up under the right lobe of the liver close to the stomach, where it serves as a holding sac for bile made by the liver. Fully distended it's length is about 8 cm with about a 4 cm diameter. Recognizable by its greenish hue, the gallbladder empties (and fills) via the cystic duct, where it meets up with the common bile duct and travels to the Sphincter of Oddi, releasing its contents into the duodenum. The liver releases bile via the left and right hepatic ducts, down through the common hepatic duct, where it too joins the common bile duct to eventually empty into the duodenum. Bile is secreted and released from the liver to help emulsify fats in the small intestine. When there is excess, the bile will travel back up the hepatic duct and be stored in the gallbladder. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is the hormone that tells the gallbladder to contract, releasing its contents into the digestive system.

Medically, the gallbladder is considered non-essential, which means humans can live without it. However, patients lacking a gallbladder tend to struggle with indigestion as a result of an inability to properly digest fats.




References

 Savitsky, D. (14). Gallstones (M. Chwistek, Ed.). 20070420. Retrieved September 9, 15, from Nursing Reference Center.

Tweed, V. (n.d.). Gallstones: HEALING FOODS & REMEDIES. Better Nutrition. Retrieved September 9, 15 from Nursing Reference Center.