A biliary stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the common bile duct, the tube that moves bile (a substance that helps with digestion) from the liver to the small intestine.
Bile duct stricture
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
A biliary stricture is often caused by surgical injury to the bile ducts. For example, it may occur after surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Other causes of this condition include:
Risk factors include previous biliary surgery , pancreatitis, gallstones, or injury to the intestine.
Signs and tests
The following tests can help diagnose this condition:
The following blood tests can help reveal a problem with the biliary system .
This condition may also alter the results of the following tests:
The goal of treatment is to correct the narrowing so bile flow normally from the liver into the intestine.
This may involve:
- Endoscopic or percutaneous dilation
If surgery is done, the stricture may be removed and the common bile duct rejoined with the small intestine.
In some cases, a stent (a tiny metal or plastic mesh tube) is placed across the bile duct stricture to keep it open. See: Stent
Treatment is usually successful.
Inflammation and narrowing of the biliary duct may return in some people. There is a risk for infection above the narrowed area. Long-standing strictures can lead to cirrhosis .
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms recur after pancreatitis, cholecystectomy , or other biliary surgery.
Afdhal NH. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts. In:Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: SaundersElsevier; 2011:chap 158.