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Anatomy & Pathophysiology

• Gallstones are classified as cholesterol stones and pigmented stones (black and brown), and are present in approx 20% of females and 8% of males in the United States
• These stones cause the majority of all biliary tract problems, and depending on where the stone become impacted, specific problems occur.
• Bile flows out the gallbladder, down the cystic duct into the common bile duct, and ultimately into the 1st portion of the duodenum.