When gallstones are presented in the gallbladder itself, it is called cholelithiasis. When gallstones are present in the bile ducts, it is called choledocholithias. Gallstones that obstruct bile ducts can lead to severe or life-threatening infection of the bile ducts, pancreas, or liver. Bile ducts can also be obstructed by cancer or trauma.

Cholangitis
Cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile duct system that is usually related to a bacterial infection. The bile duct system is the drainage system that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the area of the small intestine called the duodenum. The infection may occur suddenly or may be chronic.

There are several conditions that may trigger an infection in the bile duct system. The primary cause of cholangitis is an obstruction or blockage somewhere in the bile duct system. The blockage may be from stones, a tumor, blood clots, a narrowing that may occur after a surgical procedure, swelling of the pancreas, or from parastie invasion. Other causes include a backflow of bacteria from the small intestine, a blood infection (bacteriemia), or following a diagnostic procedure such as an endoscopic examination. The infection causes pressure to build-up in the bile duct system.

Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder wall and nearby abdominal lining. Cholecystitis is usually caused by a gallstone in the cystic duct, the duct that connects the gallbladder to the hepatic duct. Other causes of cholecystitis may include the following:

Bacterial infection in the bile duct system
The bile duct system is the drainage system that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the area of the small intestine called the duodenum.

Tumor of the pancreas or liver

Decreased blood supply to the gallbladder
This can sometimes occur in person with diabetes.

Gallbladder "sludge"
This "sludge" is a thick material that cannot be absorbed by bile in the gallbladder and most commonly occurs in pregnant women or individuals who have experienced a rapid weight loss. Cholecystitis can occur suddenly or gradually over many years.

Biliary Cirrhosis/Biliary Duct Cancer

Biliary Cirrhosis is a rare form of liver cirrhosis, caused by disease or defects of the bile ducts. Symptoms usually include cholestasis (accumulation of bile in the liver). There are two types of billiary cirrhosis:

Primary biliary cirrhosis - inflammation and distruction of bile ducts in the liver.

Secondary biliary cirrhosis - results from prolonged bile ducts obstruction or narrowing or closure of the bile duct.

Biliary Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma) next to gallstones, cancer is the most common cause of bile duct obstruction. Most bile duct cancers come from cancers that orginated in the pancreas.