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Choledocholithiasis is when there are gallstones in Common Bile Duct. This the medical term for Gallstones is Cholelithiasis. Often these stone are formed in the Gallbladder.

Gallstones can be present in the common bile duct, the gallbladder, and other places. Often the stones will eventually pass through the common bile duct into the Intestines.

Occasionally, the stones become to large to pass through the duct. Risk factors for having stones can an increase as your age increases.  Gallstones can lead to Pancreatitis and Cholangitis.

Symptoms:

–  Upper abdominal pain
–  Chills
–  Fevers
–  Possible jaundice
–  Liver cell damage
–  Charcot’s triad and is a classic finding

*Charcot’s triad is fever, jaundice and abdominal pain

Diagnosis

Ultrasound and CT may show impaired bile flow

Treatment:

–  Possible laparoscopic surgery may be necessary.

–  More exploratory or open surgery may occur if complications occur.

–  ERSP [Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography]

–  Antibiotics occasionally given when required

–  Surgical removal of Gallbladder is often helpful