Gallstone. Axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan through the abdomen of a patient with a gallstone (black, upper left) in the gallbladder. The g

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Gallstone. Axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan through the abdomen of a patient with a gallstone (black, upper left) in the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores the digestive fluid bile, produced by the liver. Gallstone formation (cholelithiasis) occurs when gallstones, hard deposits formed of cholesterol and bile salts, form from an imbalance in the composition of the bile. Gallstones are usually symptomless, unless one obstructs the bile duct, causing acute pain, jaundice and infection. Treatment is with drugs to dissolve the gallstones, or surgical removal of the gallbladder.

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