Symptoms of intrahepatic bile duct stones

Written by Zhang Tao
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Intrahepatic bile duct stones, depending on the duration and pathology, can present with various clinical manifestations. In the early stages, patients generally do not show obvious symptoms, with stones limited to a certain segment within the intrahepatic bile ducts. In later stages, stones can be found throughout the intra- and extrahepatic biliary system, and may even lead to biliary cirrhosis, liver atrophy, and liver abscesses. The clinical manifestations can include: first, pain in the upper abdomen; second, a long history of biliary tract diseases, with patients experiencing chills, fever, and jaundice; third, frequent pain and discomfort in the liver area on the affected side and the lower chest, which can radiate to the shoulder and back, etc.

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Written by Zhang Tao
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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How long does it take for intrahepatic bile duct stones to form?

Intrahepatic bile duct stones are a relatively common biliary system disease, related to patients' poor lifestyle and dietary habits. The formation time of intrahepatic bile duct stones varies; some people may form stones within a few months, while others may take several years, or even more than a decade or decades to form. Therefore, it is recommended that patients go to a regular public hospital for examination and maintain a light diet with plenty of vegetables.

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Written by Shen Jiang Chao
Radiology
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Intrahepatic bile duct stones B-ultrasound manifestations

Intrahepatic bile duct stones show typical sonographic changes on ultrasound, appearing as punctate or mass-like strong echoes within the liver, accompanied by acoustic shadows. These strong echoes are distributed along the intrahepatic bile ducts. The bile duct proximal to the stone may exhibit varying degrees of dilation, and the dilated intrahepatic bile duct, along with the accompanying portal vein, forms a parallel tube sign. Around the strong echoes of the stones, a narrow anechoic region can be seen encircling them, and the stones generally do not move with changes in body position. Intrahepatic bile duct stones can also cause thickening of hepatic parenchyma echoes and internal echo heterogeneity.

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Written by Zhang Tao
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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What medicine should be taken for intrahepatic bile duct stones?

The treatment of intrahepatic bile duct stones currently does not have specific medications. Traditional Chinese medicine treatments primarily focus on clearing the liver and facilitating bile flow, and have certain clinical effects. Western medicine often uses deoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, and chenodeoxycholic acid, which can somewhat prevent the formation of bile duct stones. It is also recommended that patients change poor lifestyle habits, adjust their life rhythms, and eat three meals a day at regular times, especially breakfast. Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Zhang Tao
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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What should be noted for intrahepatic bile duct stones?

Patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones should pay attention to the following: First, try to reduce the intake of fats, especially animal fats; second, the formation of a considerable number of intrahepatic bile duct stones is related to high cholesterol levels and metabolic disorders in the body, so it is necessary to limit foods high in cholesterol, such as eggs and the organs of various meat animals; third, food should be prepared by steaming, boiling, or stewing; fourth, increase the supply of fish, lean meats, soy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Are intrahepatic bile duct stones the same as gallstones?

Intrahepatic bile duct stones are a type of gallstone, and patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones often develop cholangitis. Thus, patients may exhibit symptoms such as chills, high fever, jaundice, and significant upper abdominal pain. They might also experience nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, the condition can lead to acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis, septic shock, and even result in death. Therefore, intrahepatic bile duct stones should be taken seriously. If significant symptoms occur, it is advisable to undergo surgery as soon as possible. The surgical method can be a laparoscopic choledochotomy to remove the stones, which can be curative. Gallstones also include gallbladder stones, which are a common type clinically. If symptoms occur, the treatment method is also surgical, involving the removal of the gallbladder to achieve a cure.