Surgical treatment methods for intrahepatic bile duct stones

Written by Li Fei Rong
General Surgery
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Asymptomatic intrahepatic bile duct stones do not require treatment; regular follow-up examinations are recommended. Surgical treatment should be considered for those with recurring clinical symptoms. The principle of surgical treatment is to remove the stones as much as possible, identify and address bile duct strictures and obstructions, remove infected areas and the sites of stones to restore and establish unobstructed bile drainage, and prevent recurrence of the stones. Surgical methods include choledochotomy for stone removal, bilioenteric anastomosis, and hepatectomy.

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Symptoms of intrahepatic bile duct stones

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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Will intrahepatic bile duct stones cause a bluish complexion?

Patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones, if experiencing an episode, may exhibit symptoms such as sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea. These patients are prone to acute cholangitis. Additionally, this condition is a type of biliary colic, thus the pain is significant and may even manifest as a bluish complexion. Therefore, patients with prominent symptoms should undergo surgery as soon as possible. Surgery is the only definitive treatment. Although the use of antibiotics for infection control can alleviate the inflammation and improve the condition temporarily, recurrence is common.

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Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Is the recurrence rate of intrahepatic bile duct stones high?

Intrahepatic bile duct stones can potentially recur. Intrahepatic bile duct stones are often accompanied by acute cholangitis, resulting in significant right upper abdominal pain, and may also present with nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. When symptoms occur, surgery can be performed to open the bile duct and remove the stones for a radical cure. However, there is also a possibility of recurrence in postoperative patients. The likelihood of recurrence cannot be definitively determined but should be assessed based on the condition of the illness. Therefore, patients who have undergone surgery should also have regular ultrasonographic follow-ups to dynamically observe changes in their condition and prevent the worsening of the disease.

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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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How to deal with inflammation and pain caused by intrahepatic bile duct stones?

For patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones, acute cholangitis may occur, which can cause fever and significant upper abdominal pain. At this time, antibiotic treatment should be used to control the infection, and the condition can be alleviated once the inflammation is under control. Moreover, if the condition recurs repeatedly, surgical treatment should be chosen. Only by surgically removing the stones can the symptoms be completely cured. Patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones should also be careful with their diet. They should avoid spicy and irritating foods to reduce inflammation, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamins to better promote recovery. Patients who have undergone surgery should also have regular ultrasound check-ups to dynamically observe changes in their condition.