Blocked Gallstone (Choledocholithiasis): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Symptoms

• Sudden RUQ/epigastric pain → back/scapula/shoulder
• Nausea/vomiting, fever/chills
• Dark urine, pale stools, jaundice, pruritus
• Fatigue, anorexia

Urgency

Seek immediate care—complications include cholangitis, pancreatitis, liver damage.

Diagnosis

• Ultrasound (first-line)
• CT/MRCP for detail
• ERCP (therapeutic + diagnostic)

Treatment

• ERCP with sphincterotomy/stone extraction (preferred)
• Cholecystectomy (often same admission)
• Medical dissolution (rare, small cholesterol stones only)

Prevention

Healthy weight, balanced diet, exercise, limit alcohol, avoid smoking.