What are CBD Stones?

Common bile duct (CBD) stones are gallstones that have migrated from the gallbladder into the bile duct, or formed within the duct itself. They cause obstructive jaundice, right upper abdominal pain and can lead to acute cholangitis (bile duct infection) — a potentially life-threatening emergency.

Symptoms of CBD Stones & Cholangitis

• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Charcot's Triad: fever + jaundice + right upper quadrant pain
• Reynolds' Pentad (severe cholangitis): Charcot's triad + hypotension + altered consciousness
• Elevated liver enzymes (ALP, bilirubin, GGT)

Treatment Options

• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) — first-line treatment; endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction. Performed by the gastroenterology team at Charak Hospital.
• Surgical Choledochotomy — open or laparoscopic incision into the bile duct to remove stones. Performed when ERCP fails or is unavailable. T-tube drainage is placed after stone clearance.
• Cholecystectomy — removal of the gallbladder to prevent recurrent stone formation; usually performed after CBD clearance.
• Biliary Bypass (Choledochoduodenostomy / Hepaticojejunostomy) — for multiple CBD stones or recurrent cholangitis; creates a permanent drainage pathway.