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Bile duct stones
Also known as choledocholithiasis Bile duct stones are gallstones that can sometimes block the common bile duct.
What is a bile duct?
Bile helps your body digest fat. Your bile duct takes bile from your gallbladder to your intestine. Sometimes, small stones of cholesterol can form inside the gallbladder and then get stuck in your bile duct. This condition is known as choledocholithiasis (bile duct stones).
Need to know
Usually, bile duct stones pass on their own. If they get stuck, they can cause the following symptoms:
- severe abdominal pain (known as biliary colic)
- jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- fever (high temperature)
- pale-coloured faeces
- nausea and vomiting
Your HCA UK or Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) consultant will start by discussing your symptoms with you. They may recommend a renal ultrasound. Carried out by one of our specialist radiology consultants, a renal ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your liver, gallbladder and bile duct. It's the most effective way of detecting gallstones and bile duct stones.
Normally, bile duct stones only require treatment if they're causing symptoms like severe abdominal pain or jaundice. If you need treatment, your options might include:
- sphincterotomy (surgery to cut into the bile duct to remove the stones or make it easier for them to pass)
- cholecystectomy (surgery to remove your gallbladder and stones)
- lithotripsy (laser treatment to break up the stones)
Our Bile duct stones locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Walk-In GP Centre at London Bridge Hospital
29 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.