Gall bladder stones and bile duct stones

Gall bladder stones and bile duct stones

Gall bladder stones, medically referred to as cholelithiasis, are solid particles that form in the gall bladder. They develop when the substances in bile, such as cholesterol or bilirubin, become imbalanced, leading to the formation of hard deposits. These stones can vary in size from small grains to large stones.

The presence of gall bladder stones is often asymptomatic; however, when a stone obstructs the bile ducts, it can cause intense pain, known as a gall bladder attack. This pain, often in the upper right abdomen, may spread to the back or shoulder. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever may also be present.

Bile duct stones, or choledocholithiasis, occur when gall stones migrate from the gall bladder into the bile ducts. This can obstruct the flow of bile from the liver and gall bladder into the small intestine, which is essential for digestion. Bile duct stones can cause significant discomfort and complications.

If bile duct stones block the bile flow for an extended period, it can lead to jaundice, where the skin and eyes turn yellow due to the buildup of bilirubin. Infections such as cholangitis, which affect the bile ducts, are also possible and can become life-threatening if left untreated.

Both gall bladder and bile duct stones can be diagnosed through imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRCP. Treatment may involve medications to dissolve the stones, but more often, procedures like endoscopic removal or surgery (cholecystectomy) are needed to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.