Cholelithiasis
Type: Symptom
Definition
The formation or presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.
Clinical Details
Somatostatin heavily inhibits the release of cholecystokinin, the hormone responsible for signaling the gallbladder to contract and empty its bile into the intestines. Because the gallbladder stops contracting (biliary stasis), the stagnant bile becomes highly concentrated and forms stones. This causes biliary colic and a high risk of gallbladder infections.