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Choledocholithiasis
Discover personalized care for choledocholithiasis with Dr. Scott, an experienced gastroenterologist in Houston. Learn about causes, symptoms and advanced diagnostics like ERCP and MRCP. Explore lifestyle tips, minimally invasive procedures and compassionate support at GastroDoxs to prevent complications, promote recovery.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
History of gallstones
Age over 40
Female sex
Rapid weight loss or obesity
Family history of gallbladder problems
Liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis)
Blood disorders such as hemolytic anemia
Signs and Symptoms
Pain in the upper right or central abdomen
Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Dark urine and pale-colored stools
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills (indicating possible infection)
Unintended weight loss
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Choledocholithiasis ?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He asks about the nature and timing of your epigastric pain, any episodes of jaundice or fever, prior gallstone history, alcohol use, rapid weight changes, and other risk factors.
Blood Tests
He orders liver function tests (AST, ALT, ALP), total and direct bilirubin, pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase), and inflammatory markers to assess obstruction or inflammation.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to look for bile duct dilation, stones, and gallbladder changes.
MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) for detailed, noninvasive views of the biliary tree.
Endoscopic Evaluation (if needed)
If imaging is inconclusive or intervention is required, he performs endoscopic ultrasound or ERCP to directly visualize the ducts, remove stones, or place stents in a single session.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for choledocholithiasis (bile duct stones).
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Smaller, more frequent meals with reduced fat content
Increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Adequate daily hydration to support bile flow
Avoidance of rapid weight loss or crash diets
2. Medications
Ursodiol to dissolve small cholesterol-based bile duct stones
Pain relievers and anti-nausea agents for symptom control
Close monitoring, as some stones may still require procedural removal
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for stone extraction or stent placement
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder and prevent recurrence
Advanced imaging-guided drainage or lithotripsy in complex cases
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for choledocholithiasis?
The ICD-10 code for choledocholithiasis is K80.5, which is used for insurance billing and medical records.
Can bile duct stones lead to pancreatitis?
Yes. If a stone blocks the bile duct, it can cause inflammation of the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis and requiring prompt treatment.
Who is most at risk for this condition?
Adults over 40, women, and people with a history of gallstones, rapid weight loss, obesity, liver disease, or certain blood disorders are at higher risk.
What if I have pain and jaundice?
Seek medical care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications such as infection or pancreatitis.
Is ERCP a safe procedure?
When performed by an experienced specialist like Dr. Scott, ERCP is very safe, and most patients recover quickly with minimal discomfort.
Will I need my gallbladder removed?
Many patients benefit from gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) to prevent future stones, but the decision depends on your individual case.
Does insurance cover this treatment?
Most insurance plans cover diagnostic tests and treatments for choledocholithiasis, especially when using the correct ICD-10 code (K80.5).
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