10 Choledocholithiasis Symptoms

By leslie

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. ’Gallstones.’ Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214
• 2. 'Choledocholithiasis.' https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000274.html

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Choledocholithiasis results from having gallstones. It occurs when a stone gets caught in the common bile duct that carries the digestive substance, bile, from the gallbladder to the small intestine. While stones in the gallbladder may cause no symptoms, stones in the common bile duct almost always do.

One in seven individuals with gallstones can develop choledocholithiasis, even if they've had their gallbladder removed. People at risk for gallstones and possible choledocholithiasis include women of Native American or Hispanic descent aged 40 or older. In addition, overweight people who eat a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet can be at greater risk of developing the condition.

Abdominal Pain

Pain is the symptom of choledocholithiasis that commonly causes a person to seek a doctor's care. Typically, the onset of pain is sudden, and it rapidly intensifies. It occurs in the upper right and middle abdomen, just below the breastbone. There may also be discomfort in the right shoulder area and between the shoulder blades on the back. This is known as referred pain.

The pain of choledocholithiasis may last several minutes to hours but is usually continuous for at least 30 minutes. It's often described as colicky, which causes waves or spasms in hollow organs such as the gallbladder and stomach.¹’Gallstones.’ Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214