Biliary colic is the most common complication of gallstones. It refers to the acute, painful spasm of the gallbladder wall due to a gallstone temporarily blocking the neck of the gallbladder, cystic duct or common bile duct.1,2
With the flow of bile being obstructed, the pressure increases, so the gallbladder contracts to try and push the bile past the gallstone, further increasing the pressure against the gallbladder wall, resulting in visceral pain.3
Biliary colic tends to be preceded by a fatty meal
- May have risk factors for gallstones
- Episodes of sudden onset, severe, colicky RUQ pain, may be provoked by meals
- Systemically well patient (not an inflammatory condition)
- Normal inflammatory markers (WCC, CRP) and Liver function tests
- Abdominal ultrasound best investigation
- May require elective cholecystectomy