What Is Choledocholithiasis?
10. Treatment
Treating choledocholithiasis tends to involve removing the gallstones from the bile duct. This usually involves a method known as biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy. Here, a device is inserted into the duct which is then used to remove the stones from the bile duct. Another option is lithotripsy, which tries to break up the stones so they can pass through themselves.
In some cases, it may be recommended to have the gallbladder removed altogether. This has little to no impact on the patient overall as we can survive without the organ. Alternatively, stents may be inserted to help keep the bile duct sufficiently wide enough.
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