Does gallbladder angle affect gallstone formation?

Abstract

IntroductionMorphology of gallbladder varies considerably from person to person. We believe that one of the morphological variations of gallbladder is the “gallbladder angle”. Gallbladder varies also in “angle”, which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been investigated before. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of gallbladder angle on gallstone formation.Methodsin this study, 1075 abdominal computed tomography (CT) images were retrospectively examined. Patients with completely normal gallbladders were selected. Among these patients, those with both abdominal ultrasound and blood tests were identified in the hospital records and included in the study. Based on the findings of the ultrasound scans, patients were divided into two groups as patients with gallstones and patients without gallstones. Following the measurement of gallbladder angles on the CT images, the groups were statistically evaluated.ResultsThe gallbladder angle was smaller in patients with gallstones (49 ± 21 degrees and 53 ± 19 degrees) and the gallbladder with larger angle was 1.015 (1/0.985) times lower the risk of gallstone formation. However, these were not statistically significant (p>0,05).ConclusionA more vertically positioned gallbladder does not affect gallstone formation. However, a smaller gallbladder angle may facilitate gallstone formation in patients with the risk factors. Gallstones perhaps more easily and earlier develop in gallbladders with a smaller angle.

Oral Administration of Nanoiron Sulfide Supernatant for the Treatment of Gallbladder Stones with Chronic Cholecystitis

“…With the aging population, obesity, and hyperlipidemia, the incidence of cholelithiasis has risen to 10% . Normally, genetics, physiology, drugs, and other factors play important roles in the formation and growth of gallstones. , Sanal found that gallstones develop in gallbladders with a smaller angle, perhaps more easily and earlier. Belzer C postulated that calcium precipitation in bile is a critical event in the initiation of cholesterol gallstones.…”

Investigation of Biliary Canal Variations as a Cause of Stone Formation in the Choledochal Canal

“…Previous studies investigated the relationship between the diameter of the ductus cysticus and the angle between the ductus cysticus and the gallbladder with stone formation. Also, studies investigated the anatomical structures and variational developments 6,7,8 . Despite these studies' availability, there are no adequate studies in the literature in recent decades regarding the relationships between biliary canal variations and stone formation.…”