Choledocholithiasis occurs when gallstones become lodged in the common bile duct, blocking the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder. This obstruction can cause pain, infection, and complications like pancreatitis. The ICD-10 code for choledocholithiasis without inflammation is K80.5. At GastroDoxs in Houston, we specialize in diagnosing, treating, and providing follow-up care for this condition.
Symptoms often start suddenly and may include:
The primary cause is gallstones formed in the gallbladder that migrate into the bile duct. Other risk factors include:
Don't wait for symptoms to get worse. Call GastroDoxs in Houston today at 832-632-4070 to schedule your visit. Our caring, board-certified team will guide you every step of the way-so you can find relief from choledocholithiasis and get back to living well.
We've successfully treated more than 265 patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
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Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
The primary ICD-10 code for choledocholithiasis without inflammation is K80.5. If you have an associated bile duct infection (cholangitis), codes in the K80.6 range are used.
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check liver enzymes, an abdominal ultrasound, and advanced imaging such as MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) or ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) to visualize and confirm stones in the bile duct.
Small bile duct stones may occasionally pass into the intestine without intervention, but most require removal via ERCP or surgery to prevent complications like infection or pancreatitis.
Key risk factors include a history of gallbladder stones, rapid weight loss or yo-yo dieting, liver disease such as cirrhosis, being female, and age over 40.
Yes. Uncomplicated stones use K80.5. If there's ascending cholangitis or other complications, you would use a K80.6 code to reflect infection or inflammation of the bile duct.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience high fever with chills, severe upper right abdominal pain, worsening jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent vomiting, or signs of systemic infection.
Most patients feel back to normal within one to two days after ERCP. Complete recovery, including resolution of any mild abdominal discomfort, usually occurs within a week.
While pain and infection can be managed with medications, actual stone removal typically requires ERCP. In rare cases where ERCP isn't possible, surgery may be performed.
You can schedule an appointment at GastroDoxs Houston by calling our office or visiting our website. Our board-certified gastroenterologists have extensive experience treating bile duct stones.
If ERCP successfully clears the duct, no further surgery may be needed. However, recurrent stones or underlying gallbladder disease could lead your physician to recommend laparoscopic gallbladder removal later.
