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Choledocholithiasis - Overview

Alternative Names

Gallstone in the bile duct; Bile duct stone; Bile calculus; Biliary calculus

Definition of Choledocholithiasis:

Choledocholithiasis is the presence of a gallstone in the common bile duct. The stone may consist of bile pigments or calcium and cholesterol salts.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

About 15% of people with gallstones will develop stones in the common bile duct, the small tube that carries bile from the gallbladder to the intestine.

Risk factors include a previous medical history of gallstones. However, choledocholithiasis can occur in people who have had their gallbladder removed.

Digestive system

Kidney cyst with gallstones, CT scan

Choledocholithiasis

Gallbladder

Bile pathway

Reviewed last on: 6/3/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Verma D. EUS vs MRCP for detection of choledocholithiasis. Gastrointest Endosc. Aug 2006; 64(2): 248-54.

Chari RS, Shah SA. Biliary System. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 18th ed. St. Louis, M0: WB Saunders; 2008: chap. 54.

Diseases of the Gallbladder and Bile Ducts. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap. 159.

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