Bile duct

Common bile-duct stone treatment

Stones can pass from the gallbladder into the common bile duct and block bile flow. This may cause pain, jaundice, infection or pancreatitis and usually needs prompt specialist assessment.

Possible warning symptoms

  • Upper abdominal or right-sided pain
  • Yellow eyes or skin, dark urine or pale stool
  • Fever or chills, especially with jaundice
  • Vomiting or pain radiating to the back

Assessment may include

  • Liver-function and infection-related blood tests
  • Ultrasound followed by MRCP or endoscopic ultrasound when needed
  • CT when complications or another diagnosis is suspected
  • ERCP when duct clearance or drainage is required

Treatment may include

  • ERCP to remove a duct stone or place a temporary stent
  • Laparoscopic or open duct exploration in selected cases
  • Gallbladder removal to reduce future stone-related attacks
  • Antibiotics and urgent drainage when bile-duct infection is suspected

What to bring

  • Ultrasound, MRCP, CT and ERCP reports or image discs
  • Recent liver-function and blood-count results
  • Details of fever, jaundice and previous gallstone attacks
  • A complete medicine list, especially blood thinners

Seek emergency care for

  • • Fever or chills with jaundice
  • • Severe persistent abdominal pain
  • • Confusion, faintness or very low blood pressure
  • • Repeated vomiting or inability to drink
Common questions

Is ERCP the same as gallbladder surgery?

No. ERCP is an endoscopic procedure used to clear or drain the bile duct. Gallbladder removal is a separate operation and may still be recommended.

Can bile-duct stones return?

They can recur. The risk and prevention plan depend on whether the gallbladder remains, duct anatomy and other medical factors.

Important: This information is for general education. It is not a diagnosis, emergency advice or an individual treatment plan. If you have urgent symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department.

Information sources

Content last updated: 2026-08-26