Serious Causes And Complications Of Gallstones

Bile Duct Blockage

A bile duct blockage can occur as the result of a gallstone that has migrated into the duct or a stone that has developed from bile sludge in the duct. When gallstones obstruct the bile duct, several problems can arise. The common bile duct not only carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine, but it also carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine. When the digestive enzymes are unable to reach the small intestine after they have been produced in the pancreas because of a gallstone obstruction, they can activate in the duct and pancreatic tissues. This activation of digestive juices can produce massive damage to the pancreatic tissues because of their potent corrosiveness. This process leads to a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis, which is an emergency that requires urgent treatment in a hospital. When a gallstone becomes lodged in the bile duct, bilirubin from the liver can also begin to accumulate when it has nowhere to go. When bilirubin backs up in the liver, it spills out int the individual's blood and produces jaundice. Jaundice occurs when an individual's skin and white of their eye takes on a yellow tint because of an accumulation of bilirubin in the body.

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