Gallbladder Disease Page 3

1304 Somerville Rd.
Decatur, AL 35601

Office: 256-260-2333
Fax: 256-260-2336

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In most cases, common bile duct stones originally form in the gallbladder and pass into the common duct. They are then called secondary stones. This occurs in about 10% of patients with gallstones.

Less often, the stones form in the common duct itself These stones, called primary common duct stones, are usually of the brown pigment type and are more likely to cause infection than secondary common duct stones.

The procedure by which gallstones in the bile duct are removed is called endoscopic retrograde colangiopancreatography (ERCP). Dr. Short has is an expert in ERCPs, having succesfuly performed thousands of these highly specialized procedures.

Gallbladder Disease Without Gallbladder Stones

Gallbladder disease can occur without stones, a condition called acalculous gallbladder disease. This refers to a condition in which a person has symptoms of gallbladder stones, yet there is no evidence of stones in the gallbladder or biliary tract. It can be acute (arising suddenly) or chronic (persistent).

Acute acalculous gallbladder disease usually occurs in patients who are very ill from other disorders. In these cases, inflammation occurs in the gallbladder. Such inflammation usually results from reduced blood supply or an inability of the gallbladder to properly contract and empty its bile.
Chronic acalculous gallbladder disease (also called biliary dyskinesia) appears to be caused by muscle defects or other problems in the gallbladder, which interfere with the natural movements required to empty the sac.

Coming Soon

When Stones Form in the Bile Duct

Gallstones can also be present in the common bile duct, rather than the gallbladder. This condition is called choledocholithiasis.