Are Liver Gallstones and Gallstones the Same Thing?

Gallstones?

I apologize...
I'm not inquiring because I'm ill...
I just have a small question after seeing many headlines...
I hope you can still reply to me via email~~^^ May I ask, are liver and gallbladder stones the same as gallstones!? Or are the two different?

Xiao Xiao Yi Wen..., 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/10/29

Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hepatobiliary stones refer to stones located within the hepatic ducts and gallbladder.
In the early days in Taiwan, due to poor environmental sanitation, many people suffered from both liver stones and gallbladder stones.
However, the incidence of intrahepatic stones has decreased significantly in Taiwan, while it remains prevalent in mainland China.
Currently, the occurrence of gallstones in Taiwan is similar to that in Europe and the United States, primarily consisting of cholesterol stones.

Reply Date: 2001/10/29

More Info

Liver gallstones and gallstones are not the same, although they are related. To clarify, gallstones generally refer to stones that form in the gallbladder, which is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile. These stones can be composed primarily of cholesterol or bilirubin and can vary in size and number. Gallstones can lead to various complications, including cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), pancreatitis, and biliary obstruction.

On the other hand, liver gallstones, also known as intrahepatic stones, are stones that form within the bile ducts inside the liver. These stones can occur due to various factors, including bile stasis (a condition where bile does not flow properly), infection, or certain liver diseases. Intrahepatic stones are less common than gallstones in the gallbladder and are often associated with conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis or biliary atresia.

In summary, while both liver gallstones and gallstones are types of stones that can affect the biliary system, they differ in their location and the conditions that lead to their formation. Gallstones typically form in the gallbladder, while liver gallstones form within the liver's bile ducts.
From a medical perspective, understanding the distinction between these two types of stones is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. For instance, treatment for gallstones in the gallbladder often involves surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), especially if the stones cause symptoms. In contrast, treatment for intrahepatic stones may involve procedures to clear the bile ducts, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or surgical intervention, depending on the severity and underlying cause.

If you have further questions or concerns regarding gallstones or liver gallstones, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

Similar Q&A

Will Gallbladder Surgery Lead to Recurrence of Stones?

I underwent surgery for gallstones in 1990, during which some stones were also found in my liver. Since then, I have been doing well. However, I recently tested positive for hepatitis B and C, with GOT at 25 and GPT at 37. Should I take liver protection medication? Is there a ris...

Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
A user without a gallbladder: Here are the answers to your questions: 1. There is no causal relationship between gallstones, liver stones, and hepatitis B or C. 2. When you say your blood test shows hepatitis B and C, does that mean both HBsAg and Anti-HCV are positive? If so, it...

Gallstones and Fatty Liver: Treatment Options and Dietary Management

Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I experienced abdominal pain that radiated to my back after eating barbecue. I visited a gastroenterologist and had an ultrasound today, which revealed that I have multiple gallstones. I had an ultrasound done at the end of July, which indicated that...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Gallstones cannot be treated with medication. If pain or acute cholecystitis occurs, surgical treatment is necessary. Rapid weight loss can lead to the excretion of some body fat through the biliary tract, resulting in the rapid formation of biliary system stones. If there...

Do Gallstones Affect Kidney Health? Understanding Your Symptoms

Hello Doctor: I previously had hepatitis C, and my most recent examination revealed gallstones! I also have two cysts on my kidneys! Recently, I have been feeling constantly tired, and my colorectal cancer marker levels have increased from 12 to 19! I may need to start abdominal ...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
1. Gallstones are not related to the kidneys; if gallstones dislodge, they move to the intestines, while if kidney stones dislodge, they move to the urinary tract. 2. An elevation in CEA levels should first rule out the influence of smoking. The organs to be investigated, in addi...

Understanding Gallbladder Inflammation and Stone Formation

What causes the formation of cholecystitis and gallstones?

Dr. Xie Wenhuai reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Gallstones are classified into: 1. cholesterol gallstones, 2. pigment stones, and 3. mixed gallstones. The gallbladder serves as a temporary storage reservoir for bile, which is released during meals to aid digestion. When certain components of bile are present in excess, they ca...