Final answer:
A patient with cholelithiasis or cholecystitis is likely to have a history of gallbladder issues, related to the presence of gallstones causing pain and jaundice.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with cholelithiasis or cholecystitis will likely have a history of gallbladder issues. Cholelithiasis refers to the formation of gallstones, which are solid particles made primarily of cholesterol, along with calcium salts, glycerophospholipids, and fatty acids. These stones can block the bile duct causing pain and jaundice, as depicted in Figure 6.7.7. In cholecystitis, the gallbladder becomes inflamed, often due to a blockage caused by gallstones, leading to similar symptoms. Both conditions are part of gallbladder issues that may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice.
Jaundice occurs when a blockage, such as a gallstone, prevents bile from being excreted, causing bilirubin to build up in the liver and blood, leading to the characteristic yellowing of the skin and eyes. Furthermore, conditions such as pancreatitis, which can also be related to gallstones, can manifest with pain and jaundice, too.