In this guide
7 min readBiliary Care
Gallstones form in the gallbladder, while bile duct stones can block the common bile duct and cause jaundice, fever or pancreatitis. Bile duct stones often need gastroenterology evaluation and selected ERCP-based treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Gallstones are inside the gallbladder
- CBD stones are inside the common bile duct
- CBD stones can cause jaundice or infection
- Gallstones can trigger pancreatitis in some patients
- ERCP may be needed for selected bile duct stones
Gallstones vs bile duct stones
Gallbladder stones and common bile duct stones are related but not the same. Treatment planning depends on stone location and symptoms.
- Gallstones are inside the gallbladder
- CBD stones are inside the common bile duct
- CBD stones can cause jaundice or infection
- Gallstones can trigger pancreatitis in some patients
- ERCP may be needed for selected bile duct stones
Symptoms to watch
Symptoms may occur after meals or suddenly when a stone blocks bile flow.
- Right upper abdominal pain
- Pain after fatty meals
- Fever with chills
- Yellow eyes or dark urine
- Vomiting
- Severe pain going to the back
Tests used for diagnosis
Ultrasound, liver function tests, CBC, amylase/lipase, CT or MRCP may be used depending on pain, jaundice and infection risk.
Treatment approach
Gallbladder stones may need surgical opinion. CBD stones may need ERCP for duct clearance, drainage or stenting depending on the case.