Cholelithiasis is the medical term for gallstone disease. It refers to the presence of one or more gallstones, which are hardened deposits that form in the biliary tract, usually in the gallbladder. These gallstones are concretions of substances such as cholesterol, bile salts, calcium, and bilirubin. Gallstones can form insidiously and often remain asymptomatic for a long time. When a gallstone blocks the outflow of bile during gallbladder contraction, it causes a characteristic type of pain called biliary colic. If the blockage persists, it can lead to inflammation of the gallbladder (acute cholecystitis) or other complications like choledocholithiasis, where stones block the common bile duct. This can result in pain, jaundice, infection, or pancreatitis. Symptoms of cholelithiasis can include episodic pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. However, about 80% of people with gallstones do not have symptoms. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Asymptomatic gallstones may be monitored, while symptomatic cases often require surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). In summary, cholelithiasis means having gallstones in the gallbladder, which can range from no symptoms to severe complications depending on whether the stones block bile flow or cause inflammation. This condition is a common gastrointestinal disorder and can be diagnosed primarily by ultrasound imaging.