A case report of spontaneous passage of large (>1.5 cm) common bile duct calculi (4 in number) through faeces

Abstract

Gallbladder (GB) stones are commonly associated with common bile duct stones (CBDS). While they may remain asymptomatic, some may present with symptoms like biliary colic, jaundice and cholecystitis. Most of these stones in the CBD, if small, pass through faeces. Passing larger stones through faeces is relatively rare and if it does occur, is usually associated with fatal complications like acute pancreatitis. The authors reported a case wherein symptomatic large CBD stones were spontaneously passed through faeces and the patient was relieved of the symptoms and did not suffer any further complications. Choledocholithiasis is usually managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or by laparoscopic or open choledocholithotomy. Spontaneous passage of small CBD and GB calculi through faeces although common is associated often with the development of pancreatitis. Passage of large CBD calculi (size >1.5 cm) through faeces is rarely seen.