biliary sand

biliary sand A term used by surgeons to describe small particles in bile that are visible to the naked eye and are large enough to be counted easily in a gallbladder that has been removed. Biliary sand may be looked upon as a stage of growth between bilary sludge, which is made up of microscopic particles, and gallstones. The composition of biliary sand varies but is similar to that of gallstones, the most common components being cholesterol crystals and calcium salts. Biliary sand may cause no symptoms, or it may cause intermittent symptoms, including pain in the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting, particularly after a fatty meal. Biliary sand can cause complications, including inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Biliary sand can often be detected by an ultrasound of the abdomen. If patients with biliary sand develop symptoms or complications, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is performed. See also gallstone.