Choledocholithiasis
Choledocholithiasis means a gallstone is blocking the common bile duct. It may lead to infection or pancreatitis.
About choledocholithiasis
Choledocholithiasis means a gallstone is blocking the common bile duct. It may lead to infection or pancreatitis.
What can cause it?
Choledocholithiasis occurs when a gallstone enters or forms in the common bile duct.
Blockage can cause jaundice, cholangitis, or pancreatitis.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Right upper abdominal pain
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stool
- Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting
How clinicians find the cause
Liver and pancreas blood tests plus ultrasound begin the evaluation. MRCP, endoscopic ultrasound, or ERCP may identify the duct stone.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
ERCP is often used to remove the duct stone and restore bile flow.
- 2
Gallbladder removal may be recommended to prevent recurrence.
- 3
Fever with jaundice requires emergency antibiotics and drainage.
Supporting recovery
- Do not try to treat jaundice and severe pain at home.
- Bring prior gallstone imaging and medicine information to the emergency team.
What to expect
The outcome is usually good when the bile-duct stone is found and removed early. A persistent blockage can become life-threatening, particularly when infection or pancreatitis develops. Gallbladder treatment and follow-up after ERCP help reduce the chance of another duct stone.
Possible complications
- Cholangitis, a serious infection of the blocked bile ducts
- Acute pancreatitis caused by blockage near the pancreatic duct
- Ongoing jaundice, liver injury, biliary scarring, or recurrent stones
When to Contact a Medical Professional
A same-day medical evaluation is recommended, especially when symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, weakness, or significant pain.
Go to the emergency department for fever with jaundice, severe pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, or signs of shock.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Definitive treatment of the gallbladder and duct lowers recurrence.
- Keep follow-up after ERCP or gallstone pancreatitis.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.