Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Once your doctor has performed any necessary tests, they can then try to make a diagnosis, followed by a recommended course of treatment. This more invasive procedure is often used to address an existing problem, such as a gallstone stuck in the common bile duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Taking pictures of the biliary tract, this image scan can show gallbladder abnormalities and blockages in the bile ducts. This test shows detailed images of your body’s organs and can show gallstones in your biliary tract ducts. This combination of X-rays and technology can show gallstones as well as reveal complications such as blockage of the gallbladder or bile ducts. Often doctors find “silent,” or gallstones that do not cause symptoms in this image test. This test is considered the best imaging test for finding gallstones. Imaging tests are typically used to identify gallstones in your gallbladder. Results from a blood test may indicate whether there’s an infection or inflammation in the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, or even the liver. Your doctor may also ask about your diet and nutrition before doing a blood test. A physical exam is performed to locate pain in the abdomen. In this case, you may experience symptoms commonly associated with gallstones without actually having stones.įirst, your doctor will talk with you about your medical history, symptoms, and family history. Gallbladder disease without stones, also called acalculous gallbladder disease, can occur. Gallstones don’t cause every type of gallbladder problem. If the tear isn’t detected, a dangerous, widespread abdominal infection may develop. If you wait too long to seek treatment, gallstones can lead to a perforated gallbladder. It’s most common among individuals who are over 65 years old. This condition, known as gallstone ileus, is rare but can be fatal. Gallstone ileusĪ gallstone may travel into the intestine and block it. If empyema isn’t diagnosed and treated, it can become life threatening as the infection spreads to other parts of the body. The development of pus, also known as an abscess, leads to severe abdominal pain. Pus is a combination of white blood cells, bacteria, and dead tissue. Abscess of the gallbladderĪ small percentage of people with gallstones may also develop pus in the gallbladder. This rare type of stone is more likely to cause an infection than a secondary stone. These stones are called primary common bile duct stones, or primary stones. Sometimes stones form in the common bile duct itself. This type of stone is called a secondary common bile duct stone, or secondary stone. In most cases, common bile duct stones are actually gallstones that developed in the gallbladder and then passed into the bile duct. Bile is ejected from the gallbladder, passed through small tubes, and deposited in the common bile duct. When gallstones occur in the common bile duct, it’s known as choledocholithiasis. Common bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis) This type of stone is rarer.Įxplore this interactive 3-D diagram to learn more about the gallbladder and gallstones. Calcium bilirubinate is a chemical that’s produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. Another type of gallstone, a pigment stone, is formed from calcium bilirubinate. Most gallstones are formed from cholesterol found in the gallbladder’s bile. As the gallstones grow in size, they can begin to block the channels that lead out of the gallbladder. Some people develop only one gallstone, while others develop several. However, they can grow to several centimeters. ![]() Gallstones are usually very small, no more than a few millimeters wide. Other gallbladder problems or complications related to gallstones include: They eventually cause problems, including inflammation, infection, and pain. In fact, many people have gallstones and aren’t aware of them. These deposits can develop and go undetected for years. Gallstones are small, hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder.
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