Gallstones and bile duct stones
Also called Choledocholithiasis, CBD stones
Gallstones form in the gallbladder and often cause no symptoms. When a stone moves into the common bile duct it can block bile flow, causing pain, jaundice, fever or pancreatitis. Bile duct stones are removed endoscopically by ERCP; the gallbladder is usually removed afterwards by a surgeon.
Symptoms
- Pain in the upper right abdomen after fatty meals
- Yellow eyes or skin
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Fever with shivering
How it is diagnosed
- Ultrasound and liver tests
- MRCP or endoscopic ultrasound to confirm duct stones
Treatment
- ERCP for bile duct stones
- SpyGlass-guided lithotripsy for large stones
- Referral for gallbladder removal
Questions patients ask
Do all gallstones need treatment?
No. Stones that cause no symptoms are often left alone. Stones causing pain, jaundice or pancreatitis need treatment.
Related care
- ERCPEndoscopic treatment of the bile and pancreatic ducts: stone removal, stenting and sampling.
- SpyGlass cholangioscopyA tiny camera passed into the bile duct to see and treat difficult stones and narrowings.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)High-detail ultrasound from inside the gut to examine the pancreas, bile ducts and nearby organs, with biopsy.
Get gallstones and bile duct stones checked
Book a consultation with Dr. Anil Kumar Mannava. No referral needed.