|  | Conditions Treatments | Digestive Health

Will Gallstones Affect the Liver?

Gallstones are small, hardened pieces of bile that form a pebble-like substance in the gallbladder. In some cases, they may block the ducts leading out to other organs, including the liver, causing potentially life-threatening complications, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

  1. Gallbladder and Liver Connection

    • The gallbladder is a kidney-shaped organ directly below the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen. The two connect through the hepatic duct, which passes bile from the liver to the gallbladder.

    Symptoms of Hepatic Duct Blockage

    • Symptoms of hepatic duct blockage include severe right upper abdominal pain, pain between shoulder blades or under the right shoulder, nausea and yellowing of the skin and eyes, called jaundice.

    Risks of Hepatic Duct Blockage

    • Blockage of the hepatic duct can be fatal if left untreated. In addition to the general symptoms, the patient may also have yellowing of the skin or eyes, called jaundice.

    Treatment

    • The most common form of treatment for severe gallstone cases is laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery, according to the NDDIC. Medications to dissolve the stones may also be used.

    Risks of Gallbladder Removal Surgery to the Liver

    • The heat generated by the gallbladder removal surgery can potentially damage the liver or hepatic duct in rare case, especially in patients with a history of liver disease.

Digestive Health - Related Articles