Choledocolithiasis = Gallstones in the bile duct

Epidemiology

• 90% are asymptomatic

Types of gall stones

• Pigment (<10%) - associated with haemolysis, stasis and infection
• Cholestrol (90)% - associated with female sex, increasing age, obesity
• mixed

Risk Factors (4 Fs)

The risk factors for gallstones can be remembered with the four F’s mnemonic:

• F – Fat
• F – Fair
• F – Female
• F – Forty

Other risk factors:

• diabetes mellitus
• Crohn's disease
• rapid weight loss e.g. weight reduction surgery