Biliary microlithiasis explained

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

• 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

• Oral ursodeoxycholic acid can be used to dissolve these crystals.^[1]

See also

• Biliary sludge

Notes and References

1. 18577477 . 10.1016/j.gie.2007.09.046 . 68 . 1 . Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment for patients with postcholecystectomy pain and bile microlithiasis. . Jul 2008 . Gastrointest Endosc . 69–74. Okoro . Ngozi . Patel . Amil . Goldstein . Marney . Narahari . Naveen . Cai . Qiang .
2. Womack NA, Crider RL . The Persistence of Symptoms Following Cholecystectomy . Ann. Surg. . 126 . 1 . 31–55 . 1947 . 17858976 . 1803303 . 10.1097/00000658-194707000-00004 .
3. Web site: Biliary Microlithiasis . 25 February 2014 . 16 May 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140516222626/http://biliarymicrolithiasis.com/ . dead .