WHAT IS THE "NORMAL" DIAMETER OF THE BILE DUCT?  IS 6.5MM DIALATED
WITH STONES AND SLUDGE PRESENT A REASON TO BE INSISTENT UPON
GALLBLADDER REMOVAL?

Hello Debih, and thanks for your question.

According to the first link below, 5 mm is the "normal" bile duct
diameter.
However, I doubt that 6.5 mm with stones will require gall bladder
removal. There are several procedures for removal of bile duct stones,
described in the other links. Gall bladder stone removal is different.
And yet there is gall bladder removal, done for other reasons such as
a cancerous growth occurring.

Sources:
Virtual Hospital: Department of Radiology: Introduction to Radiology
Lectures: Ultrasound of the Abdomen
http://www.vh.org/adult/provider/radiology/RadiologyLectures/Brown.html

Endoscopic management of bile duct stones: Standard techniques and
mechanical lithotripsy
http://www.uptodate.com/patient_info/topicpages/topics/BiliaryT/9025.asp?usd=282598438&r=/patient_info/topicpages/topics/BiliaryT/9025.asp&app=mktg&server=www.uptodate.com

Medline Abstract - Clinical application of a new disposable
lithotripter: a prospective multicenter study.
http://www.uptodate.com/patient_info/topicpages/abstrcts/Abstrx23/10506299.htm

Common Bile Duct Stones - Front Range Gastroenterology Associates,
P.C.
http://www.gastromd.com/education/bileductstones.html

Gall Bladder Problems FAQ
http://www.nurseminerva.co.uk/gall.htm#q2

Google search terms:
bile duct diameter
bile duct stones
normal bile duct diameter
gall bladder removal criteria

I hope this has been of much help. Don't be afraid to ask for a
clarification if you need any, though it should not go out of the
scope of your original question. Thank you.

Quick answer and exactly what I needed!  I couldn't find the answer
and I've been looking for a month!!  THANKS!!!

bile duct stones come from the gallbladder. It is wrong to say you
don't need gallbladder removal. If you only have stones removed from
the bile duct, you are still at risk for problems from the ones in the
gallbladder, and more can pass from it into the duct. If you have a
6.5 mm duct with stones and sludge, you definitely need something
done. The situation in which only the duct stones would be treated and
not the gallbladder is one in which either the patient refuses
gallbladder removal, or for some reason is too sick to undergo such
surgery.

Thank you SO much for your comment.  I have been fighting with my PCP
and insurance company for NINETY DAYS and I am, of course, still in
near constant excruciating pain (the pain attacks can last up to 7
hours).

I'll be using all of my research in my appeal/grievance to the
insurance company.

Thanks again.

Thank you very much for the five stars, Debih! I wish you good luck in
your appeal to your insurance company.