What is which size of gallbladder stone is dangerous?

Gallbladder stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Generally, the size of a gallbladder stone alone doesn't solely determine whether it's dangerous. The primary factor influencing danger is whether the stone is causing symptoms or complications.

• Small stones (<5mm): These stones are often considered more dangerous because they can pass more easily out of the gallbladder and into the bile ducts. If a small stone gets lodged in the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/common%20bile%20duct">common bile duct</a>, it can block the flow of bile, leading to <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/jaundice">jaundice</a>, <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/cholangitis">cholangitis</a> (bile duct infection), or <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/pancreatitis">pancreatitis</a>.

• Large stones (>2cm): Larger stones are less likely to exit the gallbladder. While they might not cause immediate obstruction of the bile ducts, they can lead to chronic inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Very large stones can also potentially erode through the gallbladder wall, although this is rare. The risk of <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/gallbladder%20cancer">gallbladder cancer</a> is slightly increased with large stones over many years.

Essentially, both small and large stones can be dangerous, but through different mechanisms. The presence of symptoms such as abdominal pain (biliary colic), nausea, vomiting, jaundice, or fever are key indicators of a problem requiring medical attention, regardless of the stone size.