Bile Duct Stones (CBD Stones) — Symptoms & Treatment in Lucknow
Common bile duct (CBD) stones are gallstones that have slipped out of the gallbladder into the main bile duct — the channel that carries bile from the liver to the intestine. Unlike stones that stay in the gallbladder, a stone lodged in the bile duct can block the flow of bile and cause jaundice, infection of the bile (cholangitis) or pancreatitis, so it needs prompt attention.
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma manages bile duct stones in Lucknow at Medanta, where endoscopic clearance (ERCP) and gallbladder surgery are available under one roof.
What are bile duct (CBD) stones?
The common bile duct delivers bile from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine. When a gallstone passes into this duct and blocks it, bile backs up. This raises the pigment bilirubin in the blood (causing jaundice), can allow the trapped bile to become infected, and can block the pancreatic drainage to trigger pancreatitis.
Bile duct stones are important to treat because the complications — cholangitis and gallstone pancreatitis — can be serious if ignored.
Symptoms to watch for
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Pain in the upper-right or upper-central abdomen
- Fever and chills, suggesting infected bile (cholangitis)
- Nausea and vomiting; sometimes the symptoms of pancreatitis
Causes & risk factors
- Gallstones passing from the gallbladder into the bile duct
- Occasionally, stones forming within the duct itself
- More likely with multiple small gallbladder stones
How it is diagnosed
- Liver function blood tests showing a blocked (obstructive) pattern
- Ultrasound — may show a dilated bile duct
- MRCP — a specialised MRI that shows the duct and any stones clearly
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in selected cases
How bile duct stones are treated
The stone in the bile duct is usually removed endoscopically by ERCP — a procedure in which a flexible scope is passed to the duct opening and the stone is extracted, relieving the blockage. Because the stones come from the gallbladder, the gallbladder is then removed (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) to prevent further stones, generally during the same admission or shortly after.
Where ERCP is not possible or the stone cannot be cleared endoscopically, the duct can be cleared surgically. Having both endoscopy and surgery available in one centre, as at Medanta, allows the safest plan to be chosen for each patient.
When to see a GI surgeon
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine or pale stools
- Upper-abdominal pain with fever and chills — seek prompt care
- Known gallstones with new jaundice — needs urgent assessment
Bile Duct Stones (CBD Stones): common questions
How are bile duct stones removed?
Most bile duct stones are removed endoscopically by ERCP, without an external cut, by passing a flexible scope to the duct opening. Because the stones originate in the gallbladder, the gallbladder is then usually removed by keyhole surgery to prevent recurrence.
Are bile duct stones dangerous?
They can be, if ignored. A stone blocking the bile duct can cause jaundice, an infection of the bile (cholangitis) or pancreatitis, which can become serious. Treated promptly, the outlook is very good. Any jaundice with abdominal pain and fever should be assessed without delay.
Concerned about bile duct stones (cbd stones)?
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma offers clear assessment and expert treatment. Book a consultation for personalised advice.