Gallstone

Concentrations of cholesterol or bilirubin that form stones in the gallbladder. They are most common in women, certain Native Americans, Scandinavians, and Alaskans.  Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and jaundice.  Treatment depends on symptoms and whether complications develop.  Chronic gallstone related pain is usually treated by laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder.  Bile duct obstruction is typically managed by removal of the stone with a nonsurgial endoscope.