CBD Stones & Cholangitis Treatment | Dr. Ashok Kumar

CBD Stones & Cholangitis Treatment

Expert Biliary Management by Dr. Ashok Kumar

Call 05226664444Book Appointment

What are CBD Stones & Cholangitis?

Common bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis) can cause cholangitis—bacterial infection of bile ducts—a medical emergency. Presents with jaundice, fever, right upper quadrant pain. Requires urgent decompression via ERCP or surgical intervention.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

  • Jaundice
  • Fever and chills
  • Right upper quadrant pain
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Imaging: MRCP, ultrasound

Treatment Options

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

First-line treatment for CBD stones. Endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction. Success rate >90%. Minimally invasive with quick recovery.

Surgical Treatment

For failed ERCP or large stones. Dr. Ashok Kumar performs open and laparoscopic choledochotomy with stone extraction. Coordinated multidisciplinary approach ensures optimal outcomes.

Recovery & Outcomes

ERCP: Same-day discharge, minimal recovery. Surgical: 3-5 days hospital stay, 4-6 weeks full recovery. Success rates >95% with combined approach. Most patients achieve complete relief.

Related Procedures

Contact Us

Phone: 05226664444

Book Appointment

Dr. Ashok Kumar

Surgical Gastroenterologist

  • MCh - SGPGI
  • FRCS
  • FACS
Profile

What are CBD stones?

The common bile duct (CBD) is the tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine. Stones in this duct, called choledocholithiasis, usually start in the gallbladder and slip into the duct, although they can also form within the duct itself.

When a stone blocks the duct, bile backs up into the liver. If the trapped bile becomes infected, the condition is called cholangitis, which can become serious quickly and needs urgent treatment.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen, sometimes spreading to the back
  • Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
  • Dark urine and pale stools
  • Itching
  • Fever with chills, which suggests cholangitis
  • Nausea and vomiting

Fever with jaundice and abdominal pain together is a warning sign. Please come to the emergency department without delay.

Possible complications

  • Cholangitis (infection of the bile duct), which can lead to sepsis
  • Acute pancreatitis, if the stone blocks the opening shared with the pancreatic duct
  • Liver damage if the blockage persists

Diagnosis

Blood tests check liver function and signs of infection. Ultrasound often shows gallbladder stones and a widened bile duct. MRCP, a special MRI scan of the bile ducts, or endoscopic ultrasound can confirm stones in the duct.

Treatment

  1. Stabilisation: fluids, antibiotics and pain relief, particularly when cholangitis is present.
  2. ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography): an endoscope is passed through the mouth into the small intestine, the duct opening is widened and stones are removed. A plastic stent may be placed temporarily.
  3. Surgery: once the duct is cleared, removal of the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) is usually advised to prevent new stones. In some cases the duct is explored during surgery when ERCP is not suitable or has not succeeded.

After treatment

Most patients recover well once the stones are cleared and the gallbladder is removed. Your doctor will advise when liver tests should be repeated and when any stent needs removal.

Frequently asked questions

Is cholangitis an emergency?

Yes. Cholangitis can progress to a serious bloodstream infection, so fever with jaundice and abdominal pain needs urgent medical care.

Do I need gallbladder removal after ERCP?

In most patients with gallbladder stones, yes, because new stones can enter the duct again. Your surgeon will advise on timing.

Can bile duct stones pass on their own?

Small stones sometimes pass, but because the complications can be serious, stones seen in the duct are usually removed.

Related pages

Book a consultation: call 0522-666-4444 or use the request call back form on this page. In an emergency, come straight to the 24/7 emergency department at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, Lucknow.