Cochrane: The
liver has various functions. Production of bile is one of these
functions. The common bile duct (CBD) is the tube through which bile
flows from the gallbladder (where bile is temporarily stored) into the
small bowel. Stones in the CBD (CBD stones) can obstruct the flow of
bile from the liver into the small bowel. Usually such stones are formed
in the gallbladder and migrate into the CBD. Obstruction of the flow of
bile can lead to jaundice (yellowish discolouration of skin and white
of the eyes, and dark urine), infection of the bile duct (cholangitis),
and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can be life
threatening.