About your bile duct
Need to know
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Symptoms of bile duct stones icon plus
Usually, bile duct stones pass on their own. If they get stuck, they can cause the following symptoms:
- severe abdominal pain (known as biliary colic)
- jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- fever (high temperature)
- pale-coloured faeces
- nausea and vomiting
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Diagnosis icon plus
Your HCA UK or Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) consultant will start by discussing your symptoms with you. They may recommend a renal ultrasound. Carried out by one of our specialist radiology consultants, a renal ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your liver, gallbladder and bile duct. It's the most effective way of detecting gallstones and bile duct stones. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
Normally, bile duct stones only require treatment if they're causing symptoms like severe abdominal pain or jaundice. If you need treatment, your options might include:
- sphincterotomy (surgery to cut into the bile duct to remove the stones or make it easier for them to pass)
- cholecystectomy (surgery to remove your gallbladder and stones)
- lithotripsy (laser treatment to break up the stones)
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital Liver Unit
The Wellington Hospital Liver Unit
North Building, Circus Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 6DP
Call 020 7483 5933
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
Appointments 020 7908 8001
Enquiries 020 7486 1234
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
Appointments & Enquiries 0207 234 2009
Imaging Appointments 0207 234 2773
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
Call 020 7908 8003
Opening hours Monday - Friday: 8am - 8pm
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The Wellington Digestive Health Centre
21 Wellington Road
St Johns Wood
London NW8 9SQ
Call 020 7483 5148
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London Digestion
HCA UK at The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Appointments & enquiries 020 7403 3814
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
London NW8 9LE
Appointments 0207 483 5148
Enquiries 0207 586 5959