Can intrahepatic bile duct stones cause jaundice?

Intrahepatic bile duct stones can indeed cause jaundice. Intrahepatic bile duct stones are stones within the bile duct system, usually due to cholestasis, infection or bile duct stricture. When the stones block the bile duct, bile cannot flow normally, causing bilirubin to accumulate in the blood, which in turn causes jaundice.

1. Genetic factors: Some patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones have a familial genetic tendency, which may be related to abnormal bile duct structure or changes in bile composition.

2. Environmental factors: Long-term intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, or parasitic infections in the living environment, such as roundworms, may increase the risk of intrahepatic bile duct stones.

3. Physiological factors: bile duct stenosis, bile duct inflammation or abnormal bile composition, such as decreased bile acid, may lead to bile stasis and promote stone formation.

4. Trauma: Trauma to the liver or bile duct may cause bile duct damage or stenosis, which in turn leads to obstruction of bile flow and increases the risk of stone formation.

5. Pathological factors: Diseases such as cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma may cause bile duct stenosis or obstruction and promote the formation of intrahepatic bile duct stones.

Treatment for jaundice caused by intrahepatic bile duct stones includes:

1. Drug treatment: Use bile acid drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid to help dissolve stones; antibiotics to treat bile duct infections; analgesics to relieve pain.

2. Surgical treatment: endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combined with lithotomy to directly remove stones; bile duct stent implantation to relieve bile duct stenosis; open surgery to remove part of the bile duct or liver.

3. Dietary adjustment: low-fat, low-cholesterol diet to reduce bile stasis; increase dietary fiber to promote bile excretion; drink more water to dilute bile and reduce stone formation.

4. Exercise recommendations: Moderate exercise, such as walking and swimming, can promote bile flow and reduce congestion; avoid sitting for long periods of time and maintain good living habits.

Jaundice caused by intrahepatic bile duct stones requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent further deterioration of the condition. Through medication, surgery and lifestyle adjustments, symptoms can be effectively controlled and the quality of life can be improved. Regular physical examinations and early intervention are the key to preventing and treating intrahepatic bile duct stones.