Symptoms need careful assessment
Upper abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, fever, vomiting and abnormal liver tests can have several causes. Examination, blood tests and imaging help clarify the problem.
How bile duct stones are investigated
Ultrasound and other imaging may be used. ERCP is often reserved for situations in which endoscopic treatment is likely to be needed rather than as the first diagnostic test.
Possible treatment
Depending on the findings, management may involve ERCP, surgery, observation or treatment of infection and complications. The safest sequence is individual to the patient.
Urgent warning signs
Fever with jaundice, severe persistent pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting or marked weakness require urgent medical assessment.
Questions patients often ask
Can ERCP remove a bile duct stone?+
Selected stones can be removed during ERCP, but the decision depends on imaging, anatomy, stone features and overall health.
Are gallbladder stones and bile duct stones the same?+
They are related but located differently. A stone may form in the gallbladder and later enter the bile duct.
Does every stone cause symptoms?+
No. Management depends on location, symptoms, complications and individual risk.