Choledocholithiasis

Choledocholithiasis refers to a gallstone which has moved from the gallbladder into the bileducts; such as the common bile duct or even the upstream into the hepatic duct (hepatolithiasis).If these stones are small, they will pass through the common bile duct into the duodenum without causing any issues. If the stone is larger than the diameter of the common bile duct, then it can cause an obstruction, causing choledochocystitis (inflammation commonly called gallbladder attack). If choledochocystis occurs, the location of where a gallstone is located is important for a surgeon to know as it aids in treatment planning.If the gallstone is in the bile duct causing an obstruction, routine blood tests will be abnormal as the bile from the liver is not able to flow freely and drain into the duodenum of the small bowel.