What is the medical term for stones in the common bile duct?

The medical term for stones present in the common bile duct is choledocholithiasis. This term is derived from the Greek words "choledocho," meaning bile duct, and "lithiasis," meaning stone formation. The presence of stones in this duct can lead to various complications, such as biliary obstruction, jaundice, and pancreatitis, depending on the severity of the blockage and any accompanying infection.

Understanding the term is crucial for accurately diagnosing and managing conditions related to the biliary system. While other terms might seem related, choledocholithiasis specifically focuses on the presence of calculi within the common bile duct itself, distinguishing it from other biliary pathologies.

For instance, cholangitis refers to an infection of the bile duct, often as a result of obstruction, while sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts. Gangrene of the gallbladder relates to necrosis of the gallbladder tissue, typically secondary to ischemia, and is not specifically tied to the presence of stones in the common bile duct. Thus, choledocholithiasis accurately identifies the presence of stones in the bile duct.