cholelithiasis /-lithī″əsis/ [Gk, chole + lithos, stone, osis, condition] , the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder. The condition affects about 20% of the population above 40 years of age and is more prevalent in women and in persons with cirrhosis of the liver. Many patients complain of unlocalized abdominal discomfort, eructation, and intolerance to certain foods. Others have no symptoms. In patients with severe attacks of biliary pain associated with cholelithiasis, cholecystectomy is recommended to prevent such complications as cholecystitis, cholangitis, and pancreatitis. Also called chololithiasis. See also biliary calculus, cholecystitis.
