Biliary disease affects the gallbladder, a pear-shaped sac positioned under the right side of the liver. Its main purpose is to collect and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver which aids in the absorption of various food elements. Gallbladder problems are usually caused by the presence of gallstones. Gallstones are small rocks or crystals that form in the gallbladder. If these stones move and block ducts, they cause swelling, sharp abdominal pain, vomiting and indigestion.
Gallstones vary in size and number.
Some are as small as sand, others are bigger than an inch. There may be one, or there may be hundreds. Low calorie, rapid weight-loss diets increase the risk. Women are twice as likely as men to have gallstones. Pregnancy and birth control pills predispose women to gallstones.