Abstract
'Sludge' is the solid material which results from the slow settling of particles dispersed in a liquid medium. Biliary sludge in the gallbladder can be detected by transabdominal ultrasonography, and the typical echoes derive mainly from pigment precipitates mixed with cholesterol crystals. A portion of biliary sludge contains comparatively large particles (1-3 mm) called microliths, the formation of which is an obligatory intermediate step in the development of all types of gallstone. Microlithiasis and sludge in bile may cause colicky pain, cholecystitis, cholangitis, and acute pancreatitis, and are thus of clinical relevance. In these patients treatment follows the guidelines of symptomatic gallstone disease, and strategies include long-term application of ursodeoxycholic acid, endoscopic papillotomy, or preferably laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
