Biliary Colic
A condition when gallstones become impacted in the cystic duct of the gallbladder and cause pain when the gallbladder contracts and attempts to push the stones through.
Demographics: Gallstones are more common in the Western population and are found in about 20% of women compared to 8% of men. High oestrogen and obesity increase the risk.
Clinical Presentation:
Signs and Symptoms
Differential Diagnosis: Any patient that has mid-back, scapular, and right shoulder pain without a history of trauma should be screened for potential systemic origin.
Bottom Line: Refer out
A patient that presents with the signs and symptoms above should see their physician for further testing (Mackay and Dillane 2004).
Demographics: Gallstones are more common in the Western population and are found in about 20% of women compared to 8% of men. High oestrogen and obesity increase the risk.
Clinical Presentation:
Signs and Symptoms
- Right upper quadrant pain
- Tenderness over the gallbladder
- GI symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Radiating pain into the right shoulder and between the sacapulae
Differential Diagnosis: Any patient that has mid-back, scapular, and right shoulder pain without a history of trauma should be screened for potential systemic origin.
Bottom Line: Refer out
A patient that presents with the signs and symptoms above should see their physician for further testing (Mackay and Dillane 2004).
References:
Please refer to the "Biliary Colic" section of the reference list.
Please refer to the "Biliary Colic" section of the reference list.