Gallstones
What are gallstones?
Gallstones form when cholesterol in bile crystallises out of solution to form stones. Following their formation, gallstones gradually grow in size and number and may cause disruption of the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the duct system.
Bile is a secretion produced by the liver to aid digestion of fats. Its solubility is dependent on the correct balance between cholesterol, bile acids, phosphatidyl choline and water.