Description

Bile duct stones are gallstones in the bile duct. They can start in the gallbladder and migrate into the bile duct or they can form in the bile duct itself. The stones can become lodged in the bile duct, causing a blockage. >>Symptoms •Severe pain in the upper right abdomen, around the ribs •Pain that radiates to the back or shoulder •Nausea and vomiting •Fever •Jaundice, which can cause the skin or eyes to look yellow •Dark urine >>Complications •Inflammation •Bacterial infection •Severe organ damage •Chronic liver disease •Pancreatitis, which can cause fever, pain in the upper right abdomen, intense nausea, or white or clay-colored bowel movements >>Treatment Bile duct stones are typically removed using a minimally invasive procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). ERCP combines X-ray, upper endoscopy, and an endoscope.