biliary calculus [L, bilis, bile, calculus, pebble] , a stone formed in the biliary tract, consisting of cholesterol or bile pigments and calcium salts. Also called choledocholithiasis, gallstone. See also cholangitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Biliary calculi may cause jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, obstruction, and inflammation of the gallbladder. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: If stones cannot pass spontaneously into the duodenum, cholangiography or similar processes will reveal their location, and they can be removed surgically. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: The pain associated with biliary calculi can be severe.
