Biliary colic

Biliary colic is a type of pain related to the gallbladder that occurs when a gallstone temporarily blocks the cystic duct. This condition is characterized by severe episodes of pain in the upper right abdomen, often radiating to the back or right shoulder. The pain is typically sudden in onset and can last from a few minutes to several hours.

Signs and Symptoms

The primary symptom of biliary colic is intense pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. This pain may also be accompanied by:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Restlessness

The pain often occurs after eating a fatty meal and may be mistaken for other conditions such as heart attack or peptic ulcer disease.

Causes

Biliary colic is most commonly caused by cholelithiasis, which is the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder. These gallstones can block the cystic duct, leading to increased pressure within the gallbladder and causing pain. Other potential causes include:

• Biliary dyskinesia
• Cholecystitis
• Choledocholithiasis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of biliary colic typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Common diagnostic tools include:

• Ultrasound
• HIDA scan
• CT scan
• MRI

Treatment

The treatment for biliary colic often depends on the severity and frequency of the symptoms. Options include:

• Pain management with medications such as NSAIDs or opioids
• Cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for stone removal

Prevention

Preventive measures for biliary colic focus on reducing the risk of gallstone formation. These may include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a balanced diet low in fat and high in fiber
• Regular physical activity

Complications

If left untreated, biliary colic can lead to more serious conditions such as:

• Acute cholecystitis
• Pancreatitis
• Cholangitis

See Also

• Gallbladder
• Gallstone
• Cholecystectomy
• Cholecystitis
• Biliary dyskinesia