Biliary microlithiasis refers to the creation of small gallstones less than 3 mm in diameter in the biliary duct or gallbladder.
It has been suggested[1] as a cause of postcholecystectomy syndrome, or PCS, the symptoms of which include:
- Upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting.
- Gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Persistent pain in the upper right abdomen.[2]
Diagnostics
edit- Biliary Microlithiasis may be detectable by ultrasound using a Rapid Patient Rotation Ultrasound Protocol[3]
- Analysis of biliary sludge obtained through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Treatment
edit- Oral ursodeoxycholic acid can be used to dissolve these crystals.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Okoro, Ngozi; Patel, Amil; Goldstein, Marney; Narahari, Naveen; Cai, Qiang (July 2008). "Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment for patients with postcholecystectomy pain and bile microlithiasis". Gastrointest Endosc. 68 (1): 69–74. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2007.09.046. PMID 18577477.
- ^ Womack NA, Crider RL (1947). "The Persistence of Symptoms Following Cholecystectomy". Ann. Surg. 126 (1): 31–55. doi:10.1097/00000658-194707000-00004. PMC 1803303. PMID 17858976.
- ^ "Biliary Microlithiasis". Archived from the original on 16 May 2014. Retrieved 25 February 2014.