Bile Duct Obstruction

The word "biliary" refers to the gallbladder and ducts that make and store bile and release it into the small intestine. Bile or biliary obstruction occurs when the bile ducts become blocked, which can lead to severe complications if left untreated. These ducts serve as drainage pipes, transporting bile from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the small intestine. The liver produces bile, a dark-green fluid that breaks down fats and aids digestion. Bile contains a mix of waste products called bilirubin, cholesterol, bile acids and salts.

What Are the Symptoms of Bile Duct Problems?

The signs and symptoms of a bile duct blockage can manifest suddenly and severely (for instance, when a gallstone obstructs the entire drainage system at once) or may gradually appear years after bile duct inflammation begins. Bile duct disorders often lead to symptoms related to the accumulation of liver products in the bloodstream. Additionally, other symptoms arise due to the bile ducts' inability to transport specific digestive juices (such as bile salts) to the intestines, preventing the absorption of certain fats and vitamins. Common symptoms of a blocked bile duct include:

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or eyes due to an accumulation of bilirubin, a waste product.
• Itching: Not confined to a specific area and may worsen at night or in warm weather.
• Light brown urine
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever or night sweats
• Abdominal pain: Often felt on the right side beneath the rib cage.
• Greasy or clay-colored stools
• Reduced appetite

What Will Happen if the Bile Duct Is Blocked?

Various illnesses can obstruct the bile ducts, disrupting the normal flow of bile. These conditions include:

• Gallstones: These can elevate pressure within the gallbladder, leading to gallbladder attacks. The associated pain typically persists for one to several hours.
• Cancer
• Infections
• Congenital disabilities, such as biliary atresia, which is one of the primary reasons for liver transplants in children in the United States.
• Inflammation may result in scarring over time and potentially lead to liver failure.

What Is Cholangitis?

Cholangitis, a less common bile duct disease, is an infection of the bile ducts. Bacterial infection is often the primary cause of cholangitis. This condition occurs when gallstones or tumors block the bile ducts. It is a life-threatening condition that can spread to the liver.

Certain factors and conditions can increase a person’s risk of developing cholangitis, including:

• A history of gallstones
• Sclerosing cholangitis: A condition more common in people with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• HIV
• Narrowing of the common bile duct
• In rare cases, acquired worm or parasite infections from traveling to other countries.

Some of the most common cholangitis symptoms include:

• Radiating pain on the upper right side or upper middle part of the abdomen to the back or below the right shoulder blade
• Fever and chills
• Dark urine and clay-colored or pale stools
• Nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice

Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to septic shock. In most cases, antibiotics are the initial treatment for cholangitis infection. When the patient is stable, doctors may perform procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or other surgical interventions. However, patients who are severely ill or rapidly deteriorating might require immediate surgery.

Bile Duct Obstruction Surgery

Treating bile duct obstruction involves addressing the underlying cause with the primary goal of relieving the blockage. Several treatment options are available for this condition, including:

• Cholecystectomy: This surgical procedure involves the removal of the gallbladder. It is highly effective in treating gallstones.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure that combines upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and X-rays to find and remove small gallstones from the common bile duct or place a stent inside the duct, restoring normal bile flow. Doctors usually recommend ERCP when the obstruction results from a tumor.
• Other therapies: Additional approaches include tumor removal or treatment and medication to eliminate parasites.

Find a Surgeon in Nacogdoches

Healthcare is better together. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort related to a biliary condition, have been recently diagnosed, or know someone who has, Nacogdoches Medical Partners can help. Our dedicated team can determine a suitable surgical approach for treating bile duct problems.

To schedule a complimentary consultation today, call 936-221-5560 or request an appointment online.

Takeaways

Making a few healthy lifestyle changes can help lower a person's risk of developing biliary disease, particularly a biliary obstruction. This includes eating more fiber while decreasing the amount of sugar and saturated fats to prevent the formation of gallstones. People who lose a significant amount of weight quickly are at a greater risk than those who gradually lose weight based on sex, age and height.