Bile duct obstruction

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Bile duct obstruction

Definition

Bile duct obstruction is a blockage in the tubes that carry a liquid called bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.

Alternative Names

Biliary obstruction

Causes

Bile is a liquid secreted by the liver that contains cholesterol, bile salts, and waste products such as bilirubin. Bile salts aid in the digestion of fats. Bile passes out of the liver through the bile ducts and is concentrated and stored in the gallbladder until it is released into the small intestine after a meal to help with fat digestion.

When the bile ducts become blocked, bile accumulates in the liver, and jaundice (yellow color of the skin) develops due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.

The possible causes of a blocked bile duct include:

Gallstones
Tumors of the bile ducts or pancreas
Other tumors that have spread to the biliary system
Trauma including injury from gallbladder surgery
Choledochal cysts
Enlarged nodes in the porta hepatis
Inflammation of the bile ducts

The risk factors include:

A history of gallstones, chronic pancreatitis, or Pancreatic cancer
Recent biliary surgery
Recent biliary cancer (such as bile duct cancer)
Abdominal trauma.

In immunosuppressed patients, the blockage can be caused by infections.


Digestive system


Endocrine glands


Bile pathway


Biliary obstruction - series

Review Date: 7/25/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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