Sudden Breathing Pain After Bile Duct Stenting - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: Sudden Breathing Pain After Bile Duct Stenting

Hello： Sudden sharp pain during breathing has occurred after the placement of a stent in the common bile duct. <br>Small stones in the gallbladder and bile duct may pass spontaneously. <br>However, due to the narrow size of the cystic duct, gallstones can sometimes become lodged,

Sudden sharp pain in the chest while breathing?

I would like to ask the doctor if there are any records of gallstones passing after the placement of a stent.
My situation is as follows: I was diagnosed with gallstones last month, and I currently have a stent placed in my bile duct.
I am scheduled to undergo gallbladder removal surgery after the New Year.
Last night, I experienced a sharp pain on the right side of my abdomen while breathing, and after lying down to rest for a while, I developed muscle soreness in both sides of my back.
During the New Year, my family ate oily food, and although I only had a small portion of vegetables, I also experienced stomach pain, which lasted for about three hours before subsiding.

Dan Tong Ren, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/28

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: Sudden sharp pain during breathing has occurred after the placement of a stent in the common bile duct.
Small stones in the gallbladder and bile duct may pass spontaneously.
However, due to the narrow size of the cystic duct, gallstones can sometimes become lodged, leading to pain, obstruction, and inflammation of the gallbladder.
It is advisable to maintain a regular diet, avoiding overly greasy or sweet foods, and to monitor for symptoms such as pain, fever, or vomiting, which may indicate gallbladder inflammation.
If symptoms are severe and do not improve, medical attention should be sought.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/01/28

More Info

After undergoing bile duct stenting, it is not uncommon for patients to experience various symptoms, including abdominal pain and discomfort, which may sometimes be mistaken for respiratory issues. Your situation, where you have a history of gallstones and have recently had a stent placed in the bile duct, can lead to several potential complications or side effects that may explain your symptoms.

Firstly, the placement of a stent in the bile duct is typically done to relieve obstruction caused by gallstones or other conditions. While the stent can help alleviate symptoms related to bile flow, it does not eliminate the presence of gallstones. In some cases, gallstones can migrate or pass through the bile duct, potentially leading to acute pain or discomfort. This could explain the sudden stabbing pain you felt on the right side of your abdomen while breathing.
Additionally, the pain you described could also be related to irritation or inflammation in the area surrounding the stent. The body may react to the presence of a foreign object (the stent), leading to localized inflammation, which can manifest as pain. This pain may be exacerbated by certain movements or positions, such as lying down, which can put pressure on the abdominal area.

The muscle soreness in your back could be a result of compensatory movements due to abdominal pain. When one experiences discomfort in the abdomen, they may unconsciously alter their posture or movement patterns, leading to muscle strain in the back. This is particularly common if you have been more sedentary or have changed your activity levels due to discomfort.

Regarding your concern about dietary choices, consuming oily or rich foods can sometimes exacerbate gallbladder-related symptoms, especially if the gallbladder is still present and functioning. If you have gallstones, fatty meals can trigger gallbladder contractions, leading to pain. However, since you mentioned that the pain subsided after a few hours, it may indicate that your body was able to manage the situation without significant complications.

It is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If the stabbing pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or severe abdominal pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. These could be signs of complications such as cholangitis (infection of the bile duct) or pancreatitis.

In summary, while it is possible for gallstones to migrate after stenting, the symptoms you are experiencing could also be attributed to irritation from the stent, muscle strain, or dietary factors. It is advisable to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider regarding any new or worsening symptoms, especially as you prepare for gallbladder surgery. They can provide tailored advice and ensure that any potential complications are addressed appropriately.

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