The gallbladder is an organ that normally functions to store
bile excreted from the liver. Bile is a solution composed of
water, bile salts, lecithin, cholesterol and some other small
solutes. Changes in the relative concentration of these
components may cause precipitation from solution and formation
of a nidus, or nest, around which gallstones are formed.
Gallstones can become large and block the opening from the
gallbladder or cystic duct. This produces pain in the right
upper quadrant or midepigastrum (above the belly button) in the
abdomen that feels like cramping. Last reviewed 5/24/2012 by
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health
Solutions, Ebix, Inc., and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department
of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San
Diego, California. - The information provided herein should not
be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or
treatment of any medical condition. - A licensed medical
professional should be consulted for diagnosis and tr