Choledocholithiasis (stone in bile duct)

Description Presence of gallsto...

Description

Presence of gallstones in the common bile duct. The condition causes yellowing of the skin from elevated bilirubin and can cause liver damage. It is a medical emergency. The gallstones need to be removed by ERCP or surgery.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain (right upper abdomen), vomiting, fever, yellowing eyes or skin.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Identification of the gallstone in the common bile duct is performed by one of the following methods: CT scan, MRCP (Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography), ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), Ultrasound, Endoscopic Ultrasound, or Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiogram (PTCA).

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound

Other Specific Tests: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), Endoscopic ultrasound, Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiogram (PTCA)

Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology

Treatment

Treatment may include: surgery to remove the gallbladder and stones, and/or ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) and a sphincterotomy (a surgical cut into the opening of the common bile duct). Antibiotics may be given as well.