Hello and welcome to HCM,
There are several types of gall stones-
cholesterol stones, pigment stones, combined and mixed stones.
The cause of cholesterol and pigment stones is different.
Compound and mixed stones are just a combination of these two types in different proportion.
The morphology- size, shape and color of each of these stones is characteristic.
They can be diagnosed on removal only.
Increased protein intake does not cause formation of gall stones.
Surgery should be taken up when stones are detected.
Long standing stones can cause attack of
cholecystitis, the stones can slip into the common bile duct, can cause ulceration of
gall bladder mucosa or even pass into the
small intestine and can get impacted there.
Stones can even cause cancer of the gall bladder however, the possibility is rare.
Consult your surgeon for further work up and planning of surgery when it suits you.
Now-a-days laparoscopic surgeries are being performed wherein very small
incisions are made on the abdomen for removal of the gall bladder with stones.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal