Cholelithiasis(gall stones)

Question 1

describe what cholelithiasis(gall stones) is

Answer 1

hard stone-like or gravel-like material formed in the gall bladder/bile ducts

Question 2

what different types of gall stones are there

Answer 2

cholesterol gall stones, pigment gall stones and mixed stones

Question 3

what are some risk factors for developing cholesterol gall stones

Answer 3

female, obesity, diabetes, genetics

Question 4

describe the pathogenesis of cholesterol gall stones

Answer 4

gall stones form when there is imbalance between ratio of cholesterol to bile salts
crystallisation of cholesterol to form ‘stones’

Question 5

what is the most common type of gall stone

Answer 5

mixed stones, mix of cholesterol + pigment

Question 6

describe the pathogenesis of pigment stones

Answer 6

caused by excess bilirubin which cannot be solubilised by the bile salts

Question 7

what pathology can gall stones lead to

Answer 7

cholecystitis, empyema, carcinoma, cholangitis(inflamed bile ducts), pancreatitis, obstructive jaundice