MD Biliary diseases can be broadly classified as those related to stones or neoplasia, of which stones account for the majority of problems seen in the United States.
Biliary obstruction is the common pathophysiology of most biliary diseases.
The most common symptom of gallstones is abdominal pain located in the epigastric area or the right upper quadrant pain. The pain is constant and sudden onset in most patients. The majority of patients with gallstone disease however have clinically silent disease. The risks of recurrent gallstone pain and complication such as cholecystitis are significantly higher in patients present initially with gallstone pain. Treatment of gallstone disease is indicated in patients who have recurrent pain or complications such as cholecystitis, gallstone pancreatitis, gallstone ileus, or cholangitis.