Bile stasis

Bile stasis is associated with an increased incidence of gallbladder stones. It may be caused by:

• gallbladder obstruction:
  • dysfunction of the spiral valve in the cystic duct
  • reflux of duodenal contents
  • pre-existing small stones
    
    
• reduced gallbladder contractility:
  • in pregnancy
  • long-standing inflammation
  • following truncal vagotomy and partial gastrectomy
  • long term parenteral nutrition - lack of good oral intake precludes the release of cholecystokinin, a hormonal stimulant of gallbladder contraction