Complications of Gallstones
Complications list for Gallstones:
The list of complications that have been mentioned in various sources
for Gallstones includes:
See also the symptoms of Gallstones and Gallstones: Introduction.
Complications and sequelae of Gallstones from the Diseases Database include:
Source: Diseases Database
See also the symptoms of Gallstones and Gallstones: Introduction.
Complications of Gallstones:
Gallstones: NIDDK (Excerpt)
Gallstones can block the normal flow of bile if they lodge in any of
the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. That
includes the hepatic ducts, which carry bile out of the liver; the cystic
duct, which takes bile to and from the gallbladder; and the common bile
duct, which takes bile from the cystic and hepatic ducts to the small
intestine. Bile trapped in these ducts can cause inflammation in the
gallbladder, the ducts, or, rarely, the liver. Other ducts open into the
common bile duct, including the pancreatic duct, which carries digestive
enzymes out of the pancreas. If a gallstone blocks the opening to that
duct, digestive enzymes can become trapped in the pancreas and cause an
extremely painful inflammation called pancreatitis.
If any of these ducts remain blocked for a significant period of time,
severe—possibly fatal—damage can occur, affecting the gallbladder, liver,
or pancreas. Warning signs of a serious problem are fever, jaundice, and
persistent pain.
(Source: excerpt from Gallstones: NIDDK)
Gallstones: NWHIC (Excerpt)
Sometimes gallstones may make their way out of the gallbladder and into
the cystic duct, the channel through which bile travels from the
gallbladder to the small intestine. If stones become lodged in the cystic
duct and block the flow of bile, they can cause cholecystitis, an
inflammation of the gallbladder. Blockage of the cystic duct is a common
complication caused by gallstones.
A less common but more serious problem occurs if the gallstones become
lodged in the bile ducts between the liver and the intestine. This
condition can block bile flow from the gallbladder and liver, causing pain
and jaundice. Gallstones may also interfere with the flow of digestive
fluids secreted from the pancreas into the small intestine, leading to
pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas.
Prolonged blockage of any of these ducts can cause severe damage to the
gallbladder, liver, or pancreas, which can be fatal. Warning signs include
fever, jaundice, and persistent pain.
(Source: excerpt from Gallstones: NWHIC)
Gallstones Symptoms: Book Excerpts
Gallstones as a symptom:
For a more detailed analysis of Gallstones as a symptom, including causes, drug side effect causes, and drug interaction causes, please see our Symptom Center information for Gallstones.
About complications:
Complications of Gallstones are secondary conditions, symptoms, or other disorders that are
caused by Gallstones.
In many cases the distinction between symptoms of Gallstones and complications
of Gallstones is unclear
or arbitrary.
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