bile duct stones

Choledocholithiasis refers to the formation of stones in the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, and is the most common disease of the biliary system. Stones obstructing the bile ducts cause bile stasis, and secondary bacterial infection leads to acute cholangitis. Recurrent inflammation of the bile ducts can cause local thickening of the duct wall or scar stricture, and bile duct inflammation and stricture can in turn promote stone formation. The proximal portion of the bile duct stricture undergoes passive dilation with increased intraluminal pressure. Clinically, patients often present with right upper quadrant colicky pain, chills and fever, and jaundice — Charcot's triad. Severe infection may result in shock and mental disturbance (Reynolds' pentad). With recurrent episodes over time, biliary cirrhosis may develop, followed by portal hypertension. Cholelithiasis is a common disease in China, with an incidence of about 10% in the population. Bile duct stones have a high incidence in South China, especially in rural areas. The occurrence of this disease is related to biliary ascariasis, biliary tract infection, and biliary obstruction. Bile duct stones are characterized by high incidence, difficult stone passage, and difficult dissolution, and there is no specific effective treatment either domestically or internationally. Consequently, many patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones suffer from bile stasis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer due to lack of effective treatment.