What is the normal size of a common bile duct?

What is the normal size of a common bile duct?

4.1 mm

How do you fix a dilated bile duct?

Some of the treatment options include a cholecystectomy and an ERCP. A cholecystectomy is the removal of the gallbladder if there are gallstones. An ERCP may be sufficient to remove small stones from the common bile duct or to place a stent inside the duct to restore bile flow.

Can an enlarged bile duct be normal?

For example, on ultrasound, a bile duct diameter of 4 mm can be the normal upper limit for a 40-year-old patient, whereas 8 mm can be normal for an 80-year-old patient. Other factors that can result in an increase in the bile duct diameter include cholecystectomy and chronic narcotic use.

What is considered a dilated common bile duct?

In general, the CBD is considered dilated if over 7mm2,3 and the pancreatic duct is considered dilated if over 3 mm in the head of the pancreas but the diameter of the pancreatic duct does increase with age.

Is a dilated common bile duct serious?

When a patient has their gallbladder removed, the common bile duct dilates over some time. Dilated common bile after a cholecystectomy is of no significance by itself and should only be considered important if there are other findings, such as pancreatitis or elevated liver function tests.

Does a dilated common bile duct cause pain?

Obstruction of the common bile duct may also lead to obstruction of the pancreatic duct because these ducts are usually connected. The most common symptom is upper abdominal pain on the right side of the body, where the liver and gallbladder are situated. The pain may start suddenly and be intense.

Why is the common bile duct dilated?

Choledocholithiasis is the most common cause of bile duct dilatation in patients with gallstones. Approximately 85% of obstructing bile duct stones are found in the distal duct near the head of the pancreas. This region of the duct is often difficult to visualize with ultrasound.