Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. These deposits can range in size from a tiny grain of sand to a golf ball. While some individuals may have gallstones without experiencing any issues, they can lead to problems if they obstruct the ducts within the biliary system.
Gallstones and the Body’s Systems
Gallstones do not pass through urine. This is because the body’s systems responsible for processing gallstones and producing urine are entirely separate. Gallstones originate in the gallbladder, part of the biliary system. This system, including the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, works to produce, store, and transport bile for digestion. Bile breaks down fats in the small intestine, with waste products carried away via the intestines.
In contrast, the urinary system filters blood and removes liquid waste, which becomes urine. Its organs are the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys filter waste and excess water from the blood, which then travels through the ureters to the bladder for storage before expulsion. These two systems operate independently, meaning substances from the biliary system, like gallstones, cannot enter the urinary tract.
How Gallstones Exit the Body
Since gallstones cannot pass through urine, they exit the body through different mechanisms. Very small gallstones might pass naturally from the gallbladder, through the bile ducts, and into the small intestine, where they are eliminated in stool. However, larger or problematic gallstones often require medical intervention.
One common medical procedure is an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This procedure uses a flexible tube with a camera, guided through the mouth to the small intestine, to access and remove gallstones stuck in the bile ducts. For recurring issues, surgical removal of the gallbladder, known as a cholecystectomy, is an effective treatment. The gallbladder is not an essential organ, and most individuals can lead a normal life without it, with bile flowing directly from the liver to the small intestine.
Recognizing Gallstone Symptoms
Gallstones often exist without noticeable symptoms. However, if a gallstone blocks a bile duct, it can trigger sudden and intense pain. This pain, often called a gallbladder attack or biliary colic, typically occurs in the upper right or center abdomen, just below the breastbone. Discomfort can spread to the back, between the shoulder blades, or to the right shoulder.
Other symptoms accompanying gallstone pain include nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) or a high temperature. If these symptoms occur, seek prompt medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Attempting self-diagnosis or unproven home remedies is not recommended.