Common bile duct stones can occur when a stone in the gallbladder passes through the cystic duct and tries to pass through the common bile duct. They can also form in situ within the bile ducts and so may be seen after surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Small stones in the common duct can be removed endoscopically with a sphincterotomy or percutaneously with a basket and/or balloon. Large ones may require lithotripsy or surgical removal.