What is a common duct stone?

If a Gall Stone, leaves the Gallbladder, and travels thru the Cystic Duct, getting stuck in the Common Bile Duct, a life threatening problem develops.

What are the signs and symptoms?

1. Right Upper Quadrant (URQ) abdominal pain, with radiation to the right scapula.
2. High Fever
3. Jaundice

How is a common duct stone treated?

Years ago, an open surgery was required to remove the stone. Fortunately, many stones can be removed utilizing a special procedure called ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholandio-pancreatogram).

The ERCP can biopsy the blockage, decompress the biliary tree, and remove any stones. This is a necessary step if surgery is needed.