CBD Stone Removal

CBD stone removal refers to the medical procedure aimed at extracting stones that have lodged within the common bile duct (CBD), which is the tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. These stones can form when bile components crystallize and accumulate in the duct, causing blockages that lead to symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, and potentially severe complications like pancreatitis. The removal procedure is typically performed endoscopically using a technique called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). During ERCP, an endoscope is passed through the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the duodenum where the opening of the CBD is located. Specialized tools are then used to access the duct opening and manipulate instruments to capture and remove stones. Alternatively, small stones may be broken up using devices like laser lithotripsy before removal. ERCP allows for both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions in one procedure, making it a preferred method for CBD stone removal. Complications from this procedure can include pancreatitis, bleeding, or perforation, but overall, ERCP is considered safe and effective in alleviating symptoms and preventing recurrent CBD stone-related issues.