Gallstones are accumulations of crystals in the gallbladder or bile ducts. Most gallbladder stones in the bile ducts originate in the gallbladder. Stones can form in the bile duct when bile builds up because of abnormal narrowing of the bile duct or after the gallbladder has been removed. Gallbladder stones in the bile ducts can lead to inflammation of the bile ducts, pancreas or liver.
Most gallstones do not cause symptoms for a long time, especially if they remain in the gallbladder. They can pass through the bile ducts and enter the small intestine without any problems or can get lodged in the bile ducts without interrupting the bile flow or causing symptoms. Pain in the right upper abdomen that occurs after eating high-fat foods can be due to gallbladder stones.
When gallstones temporarily or partially block a bile duct or the outlet of the gallbladder, this causes pain. The pain develops and then subsides again (colic pain). Usually, the pain is in the right upper abdomen, which can also be tender. The pain may radiate to the right shoulder blade. Often the patient then suffers from nausea and vomiting.
Persistent gallbladder duct blockage leads to gallbladder inflammation. Gallstones that block the pancreatic duct cause inflammation of the pancreas, as well as pain, jaundice and possibly infection.
Please contact your treating doctor for more information.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you.
