Can liver intrahepatic bile duct stones be detected by ultrasound?

Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones can be detected via ultrasound examination, where the stones are clearly visible, especially for those with larger stones. These patients may also experience recurrent right upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. For patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones who exhibit significant symptoms, it is advisable to undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible. Only by surgically opening the bile duct and removing the stones can a cure be achieved. However, if the stones are relatively small and asymptomatic, they might not be detected during an ultrasound examination, and no special treatment is required at that time. If small gallstones are observed, it is recommended to regularly recheck with an ultrasound to monitor changes in size.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Is running effective for intrahepatic bile duct stones?

For patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones, frequent running has no effect on treatment. For patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones, since it often coincides with cholangitis, they may experience significant pain in the upper right abdomen, along with clinical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chills, high fever, and jaundice. Therefore, when symptoms occur in patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones, surgery is required to achieve treatment effects. The main surgical method is a choledochotomy for stone removal, which can cure the condition by removing the stones. Generally, treatment effects cannot be achieved through diet and exercise alone. Of course, avoiding spicy and irritating foods can reduce the likelihood of cholangitis and somewhat alleviate symptoms.

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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.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
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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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Is the likelihood of malignant transformation of intrahepatic bile duct stones high?

Intrahepatic bile duct stones have a relatively low probability of becoming cancerous. Patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones may develop acute cholangitis, presenting with symptoms like severe pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and systemic infectious symptoms such as chills and high fever, but generally, these stones do not become cancerous. When patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones exhibit significant symptoms, it is important to take them seriously and perform timely surgical treatment to achieve a radical cure. The main surgical approach is laparoscopic salpingotomy for stone removal, which can lead to better treatment outcomes. Additionally, dietary adjustments should include avoiding spicy and irritating foods to reduce inflammatory stimuli and better prevent exacerbation of the condition.

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Written by Zhang Tao
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Do you need to cut the liver for intrahepatic bile duct stones?

The treatment of intrahepatic bile duct stones primarily requires surgery to remove the stones, relieve obstruction, and correct deformities. Generally, there is no need to remove the liver. However, if the liver has a tumor, or if intrahepatic bile duct stones are accompanied by liver fibrosis or even liver atrophy, partial liver lobe resection can be considered. For asymptomatic patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones, temporary observation and follow-up are feasible.