Biliary Colic Flashcards
What is biliary colic?
Biliary colic is a sudden painful spasm of the gallbladder wall triggered by a gallstone. This term can also describe gallstone-related spasms of the cystic duct or common bile duct.
What is biliary colic the most common complication of?
Gallstones
What is the aetiology of biliary colic?
Biliary colic usually occurs when a stone gets stuck in the gallbladder neck or the cystic duct, obstructing bile flow.
The gallbladder contracts to dislodge the stone, and its wall stretches and distends, causing visceral pain. Depending on its size, the stone will either pass into the common bile duct, drop back into the gallbladder, or become completely impacted and remain stuck.
Where does the gallbladder receive its arterial blood supply from?
cystic artery (a branch of the right hepatic artery)
Which veins does the gallbladder drain into?
multiple small cystic veins into the right portal vein
What is the role of the gallbladder?
to concentrate and store bile, releasing it when required
What is the function of bile? (2)
1) neutralising gastric acid
2) emulsify fat
What cells synthesise bile?
hepatocytes
What hormone stimulates the release of bile form the gallbladder into the duodenum?
cholecystokinin
What cells release cholecystokinin?
I cells
What is the clinical presentation of biliary colic?
pain in the epigastric region or RUQ that radiates to the right scapula or shoulder - indicative of cholecystitis
Eating what 2 types of food can often precede an episode of biliary colic?
- fatty foods
- Spicy foods
What autonomic symptoms are experienced with biliary colic?
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Palpitations
How long does an isolated episode of biliary colic last?
about 6 hours and subsided once the stone is dislodged
What type of pain is experienced in biliary colic?
Dull and constant with waves of more intense pain
