What is cholelithiasis?

DEFINITION Stones in the gallbladder. 85% of stones are composed primarily of cholesterol, while the remaining 15% are pigmented. INCIDENCE Approximately 10% of the U.S. population has gallstones; incidence increases with age. RISK FACTORS The typical ones are: Female, fat, fertile, and forty; other risk factors include: Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, Western diet, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hyperlipidemia, ileal resection, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN).