Common bile duct stones are stones within the main bile duct and can cause jaundice, cholangitis or pancreatitis.
What is this condition?
A stone may migrate from the gallbladder or, less commonly, form in the duct.
Signs and symptoms
Upper abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools and fever/chills with infection may occur.
Diagnostic assessment
MRCP or EUS may complement ultrasound and blood tests; ERCP may be used in high-risk situations.
General treatment framework
ERCP is commonly used to remove duct stones. Cholecystectomy is also considered when gallbladder stones remain.
Role of surgery
ERCP is an endoscopic, not surgical, procedure; treatment may be coordinated between gastroenterology and surgery.
Selected academic work
These publications demonstrate academic work related to the topic; they are not the sole source of current treatment standards.
- PUB-2023-03 — 2023 — Acute pancreatitis: It can be the first sign of silent gallstones. — https://doi.org/10.47717/turkjsurg.2023.5787
