Hepatolithiasis

/ˌhɛpətəlɪˈθaɪəsɪs/ noun

Definition

The formation or presence of stones in the liver or its bile ducts.

Etymology

From hepato- (liver, Greek hepar) + lith- (stone, Greek lithos) + -iasis (from Greek -iasis, a suffix indicating 'presence or disease'). The -iasis suffix is used for chronic conditions or persistent states.

Kelly Says

Hepatolithiasis is particularly common in East Asian countries and is often linked to parasitic infections and recurrent cholangitis—it's a serious condition because stones lodged in the liver's tiny ducts can cause life-threatening infections. Treatment sometimes requires surgery to remove affected liver segments!

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