Gallstone Disease: Etiology, Types, Differential Diagnosis, Complications and Surgical Management

Abstract

Gallstone disease (cholelithiasis) is one of the most common disorders of the hepatobiliary system worldwide. It is characterized by the formation of solid deposits within the gallbladder due to abnormalities in bile composition, impaired gallbladder motility, and metabolic disturbances. Gallstones may remain asymptomatic or may present with biliary colic and complications such as acute calculous cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, obstructive jaundice, and cholangitis. The formation of gallstones is associated with multiple risk factors including obesity, female gender, increasing age, pregnancy, and metabolic disorders. Early diagnosis is achieved through clinical evaluation and imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, and endoscopic procedures. Management of gallstone disease depends on the severity of symptoms and associated complications. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently considered the gold standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones. This study reviews the causes of gallstone formation, classification of gallstones, differential diagnosis, complications, and modern surgical treatment methods used in the management of cholelithiasis.