Biliary microlithiasis refers to the creation of small gallstones less than 3 mm in diameter in the

biliary duct A bile duct is any of a number of long tube-like structures that carry bile, and is present in most vertebrates. The bile duct is separated into three main parts: the fundus (superior), the body (middle), and the neck (inferior). Bile is requ ...

gallbladder In vertebrates, the gallbladder, also known as the cholecyst, is a small hollow Organ (anatomy), organ where bile is stored and concentrated before it is released into the small intestine. In humans, the pear-shaped gallbladder lies beneath t ...

. It has been suggested as a cause of

postcholecystectomy syndrome Postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) describes the presence of abdominal symptoms after a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). Symptoms occur in about 5 to 40 percent of patients who undergo cholecystectomy, and can be transient, persistent or li ...

, or PCS, the symptoms of which include: * Upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting. * Gas, bloating, and diarrhea. * Persistent pain in the upper right abdomen.

Diagnostics

* Biliary Microlithiasis may be detectable by ultrasound using a Rapid Patient Rotation Ultrasound Protocol * Analysis of biliary sludge obtained through

endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technique that combines the use of endoscopy An endoscopy is a procedure used in medicine to look inside the body. The endoscopy procedure uses an endoscope to examine the interior ...

(ERCP)

Treatment

* Oral

ursodeoxycholic acid Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), also known as ursodiol, is a secondary bile acid, produced in humans and most other species from metabolism by intestinal bacteria. It is synthesized in the liver in some species, and was first identified in bile o ...

can be used to dissolve these crystals.

References

Medical terminology Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas {{symptom-stub

Diagnostics

Treatment

See also

References