Gallstones

The gall bladder is a thin -walled pouch situated beneath the liver. The liver secretes bile, which when not required for digestion, is concentrated and stored in the gall bladder. Gallstone is the common disease of the gall bladder. The incidence of gallstones is higher in women, being present in at least 20 per cent of women over the age of 40 years.

The gallstones are mainly formed of cholesterol, mixed with some bile pigments, calcium carbonate and phosphate. Gallstones associated with attacks of severe pain or jaundice, are to be treated by surgery. The mere presence of asymptomatic gallstones in the elderly, however, is not an indication for surgery...