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Warning-sign checks

Choledocholithiasis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for severe pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, or fever and chills with jaundice.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice after treatment for new jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, persistent abdominal pain, fever, or repeated vomiting.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up depends on how the stone was treated and whether the gallbladder remains in place.

    A clinician may repeat liver blood tests to confirm that bile flow has returned to normal.

    Further imaging may be needed if symptoms continue or blood tests remain abnormal.

    Missing this follow-up can allow the stent to become blocked or contribute to infection.

The article also says

People who receive a temporary bile duct stent need a clear plan for removal, exchange, or reassessment.

After ERCP or surgery, follow the care team's instructions about eating, activity, wound care, and medicines.

Mild throat irritation or temporary bloating can occur after an endoscopic procedure.

Symptoms that are worsening rather than improving should be reported.

Gallstones can occasionally recur in the bile ducts even after gallbladder removal.

New symptoms should therefore be assessed rather than assumed to be unrelated to the prior condition.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Choledocholithiasis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.