Stones in a long pancreaticobiliary common channel: a rare cause of obstructive jaundice and pancreatitis.

A case of obstructive jaundice associated with acute pancreatitis is reported. The underlying cause was a dilated long pancreaticobiliary common channel impacted with stones and bile debris. There was no stone in the rest of the biliary system except for one in the lowest part of the common bile duct and the overall appearance of the stones suggested that they originated within the common channel itself. A long common channel may be an underlying cause of various pathological conditions in the pancreaticobiliary system. Early operative intervention is recommended when such a diagnosis is made.