Gallbladder & bile ducts
Gallstones & bile duct stones
Stones form in the gallbladder. Many cause no trouble. Some slip into the bile duct and block it, causing jaundice, infection or pancreatitis.
Common symptoms
- Pain in the upper right or middle belly, often after a heavy meal
- Pain spreading to the back or right shoulder
- Jaundice, or fever with chills
Causes and risk factors
- Being over 40
- Women, especially after pregnancies
- Extra weight or very rapid weight loss
- Family history
- Long fasts followed by heavy meals
How it is diagnosed
An ultrasound finds gallbladder stones. Liver tests, an MRCP scan or endoscopic ultrasound check for stones that have slipped into the bile duct.
Treatment
Gallbladder removal is done by a surgeon. Stones stuck in the bile duct are removed through ERCP, an endoscopic procedure with no cuts.
Procedures that may help
When to see a gastroenterologist
Repeated attacks of pain, or any jaundice or fever along with the pain.
Common questions
Can gallstones be dissolved with medicine?
Rarely. Medicines work only for a few small stones and they often return, so surgery is the usual treatment for stones that cause pain.
Do silent gallstones need an operation?
Usually not. Stones found by chance that cause no symptoms are generally watched.