Is Biliary Colic the Same as Cholelithiasis

Cholelithiasis is the presence of one or more calculi (gallstones) in the gallbladder. In developed countries, about 10% of adults and 20% of people > 65 years have gallstones. Gallstones tend to be asymptomatic. The most common symptom is biliary colic; gallstones do not cause dyspepsia or fatty food intolerance.

Is biliary colic the same as cholecystitis?

FeatureBiliary colicAcute cholecystitisPain locationEpigastriumRight upper quadrant

Can you have biliary colic without gallstones?

Acalculous biliary pain is biliary colic without gallstones, resulting from structural or functional disorders; it is sometimes treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy or endoscopic sphincterotomy. (See also Overview of Biliary Function.