Gallstones of cholelithiasis are stone-like masses that form in the gall bladder and can lead to pain and inflammation.

Acute inflammation of the gall bladder results in severe pain in the right upper abdominal region, fever, nausea, prostration and occasionally, jaundice. Chronic inflammation results in habitual indigestion accompanied by flatulence and nausea. The indigestion is more evident after a heavy meal or a meal high in fat.

Gallstones affect 20% of women and 8% of men over the age of 40 years. More than one million cases of gallstones are diagnosed annually in North America and more than 500,000 gall bladder operations are performed each year.

Bile is a clear yellow, green or orange fluid produced in the liver. It is concentrated and stored in the gall bladder and pours into the small intestine when it is needed for digestion. Bile helps to alkalize the contents of the stomach and intestines and aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. It is composed of bile salts, cholesterol, phospholipids, bilirubin and electrolytes.

Gallstones are formed in the gall bladder when there is too much cholesterol in the bile. Cholesterol and protein precipitate out of solution and form stones. The stones grow larger until they are large enough to........

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