Gallbladder stones, or gallstones, are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Gallstones develop when substances in bile, such as cholesterol or bilirubin, harden into solid particles. They can vary in size and number, ranging from tiny grains to large stones. Gallstones can cause symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and digestive disturbances, especially after eating fatty foods. In some cases, they may block the bile ducts, leading to complications like inflammation (cholecystitis) or pancreatitis.

Risk factors for developing gallstones include obesity, a high-fat diet, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions. Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms and may include dietary changes, medications to dissolve the stones, or surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Gallstones are a common condition, particularly among adults over the age of 40, women, and individuals with a family history of the disorder