Diagnosis of Cholelithiasis

How is cholelithiasis diagnosed?

Once asked about medical history, family history and current symptoms, the healthcare provider may conduct a physical exam by palpating the upper right quadrant of the patient's abdomen and looking for a positive Murphy Sign. The provider may then order blood tests and imaging to be done. Some ways physicians can get images of potential gallstones are:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
• Hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HIDA) scan
• Abdominal CT scan
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Cholecystogram

This image is an ultrasound depicting a large gallstone. 

These tests are important in the diagnosis of cholelithiasis because they tell the provider if a gallstone is present, where it is, and if it is in a dangerous spot or not. The provider can then decide the best course of action. 

"Bouveret Syndrome." Cinahl Information Systems, Glendale, CA, 5 Dec. 2014. Web. 13 Oct. 2015.

Gallstones (Cholelithiasis). (2015, January 20). Retrieved October 13, 2015.

 Savitsky, D. (14). Gallstones (M. Chwistek, Ed.). 20070420. Retrieved September 9, 15, from Nursing Reference Center.