Is the incidence of intrahepatic bile duct stones high?

Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Updated on January 17, 2025
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Intrahepatic bile duct stones have a relatively low incidence rate. They are a type of gallstone, and compared to gallbladder stones, their occurrence is less frequent. Patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones often experience concurrent cholangitis, leading to symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, significant nausea, and vomiting, along with other gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, for patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones, when significant symptoms occur, not only is the use of antibiotics necessary to treat the infection and control the inflammation, but surgery is also required to achieve therapeutic effects. The primary surgical method is choledochotomy for stone removal, which can lead to better treatment outcomes after the stones are extracted.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Multiple intrahepatic bile duct stones

Multiple intrahepatic bile duct stones are a description used in imaging studies such as ultrasound and CT, meaning there are multiple stones within the intrahepatic bile ducts. Particularly in cases where there is recurrent upper right abdominal pain, the appearance of jaundice, chills, and high fever, it is important to pay attention and consider early surgical treatment. The main surgical approach is laparoscopic choledocholithotomy, which can completely treat the condition by removing the stones. Additionally, for patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones, it is also important to avoid spicy and irritating foods in their diet to reduce inflammatory irritation and better promote recovery from the condition. The diet should primarily consist of light meals, and eating fresh vegetables and fruits can better facilitate relief from the condition.

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Written by Zhang Tao
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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How is intrahepatic bile duct stones treated?

Intrahepatic bile duct stones refer to stones located in the branches of the bile duct above the junction of the left and right hepatic ducts. Surgical treatment is currently the main method of treatment. Treatment should be based on the number and distribution of stones within the bile ducts, the location and extent of hepatic and biliary strictures, pathological changes in the liver, the state of liver function, and the patient's overall symptoms. Appropriate surgical approaches should be adopted, including hepatectomy, high position bile ductotomy for stone removal, transhepatic choledochotomy for stone removal, biliary-intestinal internal drainage, liver transplantation, etc.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Where to massage for intrahepatic bile duct stones?

If intrahepatic bile duct stones are present without obvious symptoms, no special treatment is needed at this time. It is advisable to regularly re-examine with ultrasound and dynamically observe any changes in size. Of course, diet should avoid spicy and irritant foods, mainly light foods, and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits to reduce inflammatory stimulation and better control the progression of the disease. If there are significant symptoms, there will be obvious pain in the upper right abdomen, and possibly nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, the treatment should involve early surgical intervention, as surgery is the only way to achieve a cure. The main surgical method is laparoscopic choledochotomy for stone removal.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Can liver intrahepatic bile duct stones be detected by ultrasound?

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 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.