Choledocholithiasis

Choledocholithiasis
Other names	Bile duct stones

Choledocholithiasis is a medical condition where stones (calculi) are present in the common bile duct. The common bile duct is a small, tube-like structure formed where the common hepatic duct and the cystic duct join; its primary function is to carry bile from the gallbladder and liver to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).

Causes

Choledocholithiasis can occur when stones formed in the gallbladder (see gallstones) migrate into the common bile duct. Less commonly, stones can form directly in the bile duct due to factors such as bacterial infection, biliary tract disease, or certain medical procedures that affect the bile duct.

Symptoms

The presence of stones in the bile duct can lead to a blockage that causes jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, fever, and sometimes chills. If the blockage is not relieved, it can lead to more serious conditions such as cholangitis (infection of the bile duct) or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of choledocholithiasis typically involves imaging techniques such as ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), or Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Blood tests may also be conducted to check for signs of infection or inflammation.

Treatment

Treatment options for choledocholithiasis include the removal of the bile duct stones. This can be achieved through procedures such as ERCP, where instruments are used to capture and remove stones during an endoscopic procedure. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the stones or to bypass the blocked bile duct.

Prevention

Preventive measures for choledocholithiasis include managing risk factors for gallstones, as the presence of gallstones is a primary contributor to the development of bile duct stones. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, adhering to a balanced diet, and managing underlying health conditions that may contribute to stone formation.

See also

• Gallbladder
• Liver
• Biliary system