Main Clinical Manifestations of Extrahepatic Bile-Duct Stones
Extrahepatic bile-duct stones (choledocholithiasis) are most frequently cholesterol calculi that have migrated from the gallbladder, or primary pigment stones that form de novo within the common bile duct. Symptoms depend on the degree of obstruction, the presence of infection, and the duration of bile stasis. Biliary colicEpigastric or right-upper-quadrain pain begins 30–60 min after a fatty meal, builds steadily for ≥30 min, may last several hours, and radiates to the right scapula or inter-scapular region. Movement does not relieve the discomfort, and antacids are ineffective. Nausea and vomitingGastric stasis and vagal reflexes produce repeated retching that may transiently lessen pain.... Learn more