Choledocholithiasis
About 15% of people with gallstones will develop stones in the
common bile duct. The common bile duct is a small tube that carries
bile from the gallbladder to the duodenum. Obstruction of the
common bile duct causes jaundice and other problems. It may also
lead to obstruction of the pancreatic duct because these ducts are
usually connected. If the pancreatic duct is also obstructed,
pancreatitis will likely develop.
Review Date: 6/3/2008
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer,
Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant
Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed
by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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