Prevalence, Causes and Management of Obstruction of Common Bile Duct: Review Article

Gallstones cause biliary obstruction in about 5 out of 1000 people, whereas 10 to 15% of the adult population in the United States will have gallstones at some point in their lives. Gall stones, also known as cholelithiasis, are the precursor of choledocholithiasis, which occurs when gall stones pass through the cystic duct and lodge in the common hepatic ducts, causing an obstruction. Routine labs and some specialized labs are used in the diagnosis of biliary blockage. Severe complications can happen if left unchecked such as damaging the hepatic dysfunction, renal failure, nutritional deficiencies, bleeding problems, and infections. Treatment depends on the causing effect of bile duct obstruction. Sphincterotomy with lithotripsy, choledochotomy, choledochoduodenostomy, choledochojejunostomy, or cholecystectomy are the most used for large gall stones treatment. This review looks at the prevalence, etiology and management of the disease.