Can medication help pass bile duct stones?

Generally, whether bile duct stones can be expelled through medication depends on the specific condition of the patient. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and avoid self-medication that may lead to risks. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If bile duct stones are small in size, few in number, and located in the lower segment of the bile duct, and if there are no abnormalities such as bile duct narrowing or obstruction and liver function is normal, attempting to expel the stones with medication may be considered. Such medications can relax the smooth muscles of the bile duct and promote bile secretion, helping small stones pass naturally with bile flow. Close monitoring for worsening abdominal pain or other symptoms is necessary during this process.

If the bile duct stones are large in size, numerous, or located in the upper segment of the bile duct or intrahepatic bile ducts, or if the patient has bile duct narrowing or impaired liver function, it is extremely difficult to expel the stones with medication alone. Attempting forced expulsion may cause stones to become lodged at narrowed areas of the bile duct, leading to bile duct obstruction, acute cholangitis, or even serious complications such as jaundice and infection. In these cases, medication is typically used only as an adjunctive treatment.

During treatment, patients must strictly follow medical instructions and should not adjust the dosage or change medications on their own. Regular imaging examinations are required to monitor changes in the position and size of the stones. If symptoms such as high fever, worsening abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin occur, medication should be stopped immediately and medical care sought. Maintaining a light diet in daily life, avoiding high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, and eating meals regularly can help reduce the risk of bile stasis.