They usually don't: Gallstones can be large or small; most of the time they stay within the gallbladder, causing pain by blocking the outflow tract, called the cystic duct. Occasionally, small stones may get past this duct and enter the bile duct that connects the liver to the intestines. These stones can obstruct the liver or the pancreas, often requiring extraction. If one is lucky, they may pass spontaneously.
Answered 4/26/2017
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See below: Gallstones that exit the gallbladder move into the main extrahepatic ductal system, usually the common bile duct. Some can pass through the sphincter of Oddi into the duodenum. This is frequently associated with severe abdominal and sometimes back pain, nausea and vomiting. If a stone gets stuck there, those symptoms occur and patient may notice yellow eyes, dark urine or light colored stools.
Answered 10/24/2017
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