Stone - Biliary

A Stone – Biliary is a hard piece of cholesterol secreted from the gallbladder. It is formed when bile secretion turns into solidity. Stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The most common type of bile duct stone is the cholesterol stone.

Cholesterol stones are generally brown or black, due to the presence of calcium salts and bilirubin. A majority of newly formed stones are usually small and pass easily with minimal discomfort. However, larger stones may cause severe pain, even blockages if they get stuck in the biliary tract.

Causes of Bile Duct Stones

Unhealthy diet: Consuming a lot of fats, sugary foods and processed meals can lead to gallstones.
Gallbladder sludge: The presence of mucus, cholesterol, and other substances in bile can lead to their precipitation or accumulation, forming a stone like structure.
Infection: Chronic inflammation may cause the secretion of extra bile acids, leading to stones.
Liver diseases: Conditions like cirrhosis can cause bile secretion irregularities.
Pigment Stones: These are due to the accumulation of bilirubin pigment as a result of biliary tract conditions like chronic liver disease and biliary tract infections.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms experienced by a person having bile duct stones include:

Pain in the abdomen
Nausea and Vomiting
Fever
Chills
Jaundice
Clay colored stools

Diagnosis

Doctors may conduct an abdominal ultrasound or an abdominal CT scan to identify biliary stones. An endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is done to properly diagnose these stones. During the procedure, the doctor inserts a thin lighted tube through the patient’s mouth, to visualize the biliary tree. Other tests such as liver function tests can also be done to analyze bilirubin levels in the bloodstream.

Treatment

Smaller bile duct stones can be treated with medications. These medications help break down the stones into small pieces. Additionally, surgery can be done to remove larger stones. In some cases, laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be recommended to remove gallstones.

If you suspect you have bile duct stones, it is best to consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis ensures a better outcome.