Gallstone disease is one of the most common gastroenterological disorders.
There are several well-known risk factors for developing gallstones. These risk factors include being female, age 40 or older, pregnant, obese, or of white, Hispanic, or Native American ethnicity. Studies have shown that most gallstones are diagnosed at a time when they cause no symptoms. They may continue to cause no discomfort for decades. In this asymptomatic stage gallstones need no treatment.