CBD Stones

Common bile duct (CBD) stones, also known as choledocholithiasis, are solid particles that form in the common bile duct, which is the duct that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. These stones typically originate in the gallbladder and migrate into the common bile duct, where they can cause obstruction, inflammation, and other complications.

CBD stones are primarily composed of cholesterol or bilirubin, similar to gallstones, and they can vary in size from small particles to larger stones that may completely obstruct the bile duct. The presence of CBD stones can lead to symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and dark urine.

The risk factors for developing CBD stones are similar to those for gallstones and include factors such as obesity, a high-fat diet, rapid weight loss, and certain medical conditions such as liver cirrhosis or inflammatory bowel disease.

Diagnosis of CBD stones typically involves imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). These tests can visualize the bile ducts and detect the presence of stones.