Choledocholithiasis is the presence of gallstones in the common bile duct. This condition causes jaundice and liver cell damage, and is a medical emergency, requiring the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) procedure or surgical treatment. While stones can frequently pass through the common bile duct into the duodenum, some stones may be too large to passthrough the CBD and will cause an obstruction. This obstruction will lead to jaundice, elevation in alkaline phosphatase, increase in conjugated bilirubin in the blood, and an increase in cholesterol in the blood. Doctors can use some of these tests to diagnose choledocholithiasis. However, ultrasound demonstrating an enlarged common bile duct is the test of choice. Treatment involves removing the stone using ERCP. Typically, the gallbladder is then removed to prevent a future occurrence of common bile duct obstruction.

A tendency for this disease can be inherited.

Gastroenterology | Hepatology