Bile Duct Surgery: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Surgical Procedure

The bile ducts carry bile, secreted by the liver to digest fats, to the gallbladder and small intestine. When the bile ducts get blocked, bile builds up in the liver, causing jaundice and other life-threatening conditions. Our surgeon, Dr. Madhu Prasad, has years of experience in performing surgical procedures for treating conditions that occur due to bile duct obstruction and other problems.

Causes of Bile Duct Obstruction

Some of the most common causes of bile duct obstruction include:

• Gallstones
• Cysts
• Narrowing of the duct
• Inflammation of the bile ducts

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Tumors in the gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, or liver
• Infections
• Severe liver damage
• Trauma

Symptoms of Bile Duct Obstruction

Common symptoms may include:

• Dark urine
• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice
• Itching
• Pale-colored stools

Common Tests to Diagnose a Blocked Bile Duct

Your doctor may use one or more of the following tests to diagnose a blocked bile duct.

• Blood test
• Ultrasonography
• Abdominal CT scan
• Cholangiography (X-ray of the bile ducts)
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)

Bile Duct Surgical Procedure

The main objective of the surgical procedure is to remove the blockage. Stones can be removed during an ERCP by using an endoscope. In some cases, bypass surgery is required. The gallbladder is removed if the blockage is due to gallstones. If the obstruction is caused due to cancer, the duct needs to be widened.

Why Choose Us for Bile Duct Surgery?

At Alaska cancer treatment center Far North Surgery, we are committed to providing our patients with advanced surgical procedures in a caring and compassionate environment. Our general surgeon & surgical oncologist Dr. Madhu Prasad is highly trained and qualified in performing minimally invasive procedures for treating bile duct problems. Call us at 907-276-3676 to get the best treatment option or answers any questions you may have.