Choledocholithiasis (CBD Stones)
Choledocholithiasis refers to the presence of stones in the common bile duct (CBD). The common bile duct is a small tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine to help in digestion.
What is Choledocholithiasis?
Causes
- Migration of gallstones from the gallbladder
- Stone formation within the bile duct
- Biliary tract infection
- Previous gallbladder surgery (rarely residual stones)
- Narrowing (stricture) of the bile duct
- History of gallstones
- Female gender
- Age over 40 years
- Obesity
- Rapid weight loss
- High-fat diet
- Family history of gallstones
- Previous biliary surgery
Common Symptoms
Pain in the upper right abdomen
Pain radiating to the back or shoulder
Yellow discoloration of skin and eyes (jaundice)
Fever and chills
Possible Complications
- Acute cholangitis (bile duct infection)
- Acute pancreatitis
- Liver dysfunction
- Sepsis (in severe infections)
Treatment
ERCP is commonly used to remove CBD stones. A flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth into the small intestine to access the bile duct and remove the stone.
- Stones are large
- ERCP is unsuccessful
- There are associated gallbladder stones
- Intravenous fluids
- Antibiotics (if infection suspected)
- Pain management
Diagnosis
- Blood tests (including liver function tests)
- Ultrasound abdomen
- MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography)
- CT scan (if required)
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) – diagnostic and therapeutic
Prevention
- Early treatment of gallstones
- Maintaining healthy body weight
- Avoiding rapid weight loss
- Balanced diet
- Regular medical follow-up if previously diagnosed with gallstones
About the Author of This Information
Dr. Rajeev Kapoor is a practicing surgeon based in Mohali, Punjab. He provides clinical services in the field of gastrointestinal, colorectal, and general surgery. This website is intended for informational and educational purposes only.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment decisions should be made after consultation with a qualified medical professional, based on individual clinical evaluation.