A bile duct obstruction is when one of the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the intestine becomes blocked. Symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.

This article explores some of the leading causes of bile duct obstruction, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

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The liver produces bile, which is a liquid that contains cholesterol, bile salts, and other substances. Bile helpsTrusted Source the body digest fats. It also contains a byproduct that healthcare professionals call bilirubin.

Bile passes through the bile ducts from the liver to the gallbladder, which stores it. When necessary, it travels to the small intestine to help digest food. This network of ducts is part of the biliary system.

When one or more of the ducts that transport bile become blocked, doctors may referTrusted Source to it as “bile duct obstruction” or “biliary obstruction”.

A bile duct obstruction can lead to bile accumulating in the liver and a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.

Symptoms a person may experience can vary depending on the underlying cause of a bile duct obstruction. A person’s symptoms may come on suddenly or gradually.

Some possible symptoms includeTrusted Source:

Gallstones are the most common causeTrusted Source of bile duct obstruction. They can form fromTrusted Source hardened cholesterol or bilirubin. If they are large enough, they may block a bile duct as they pass through the biliary system.

Other causes of bile duct obstruction may include:

The first step in diagnosis is a physical examination, during which a doctor will assess a person’s symptoms. They may look forTrusted Source signs of jaundice and other symptoms, as well as examine a person’s abdomen for fluid buildup and tenderness.

Liver damage can cause similar symptoms to biliary obstruction, so the doctor may also ask about whether a person has ever smoked, consumed alcohol, or misused drugs.

A doctor may also order blood tests. The following results may indicate a biliary obstruction:

Healthcare professionals may also suggest urine and stool testing.

If other tests indicate a person may have a biliary obstruction, the doctor may recommend one of the following imaging methods to confirm the diagnosis:

Treatment for bile duct obstruction aims to relieve the blockage and will depend onTrusted Source the underlying cause and a person’s overall health.

Healthcare professionals can usually remove gallstones using an endoscope during an ERCP. However, some people may still require surgery.

Someone with severe or frequent symptoms may needTrusted Source to have gallbladder removal surgery. This will stop the problem of gallstones reoccurring. People can lead healthy lives without a gallbladder.

If doctors find that the cause cancer, they may need to stretch and drain the bile ducts. Doctors may do this either using an endoscope or by placing a needle through the skin. They will likely then treat the cancer with a mix of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, depending on its type, size, and location.

Healthcare professionals may treat a parasitic infection with medications, ERCP, or surgery.

If someone has choledochal cysts, a doctor may recommendTrusted Source a surgical procedure to treat them.

If left untreated, bile duct obstructions can leadTrusted Source to potentially life-threatening infections and sepsis.

For example, if the “drainpipe” at the bottom of the liver, or the common bile duct, remains blocked, there may be a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. This blockage can also lead to bacteria backing up into the liver, which can cause acute cholangitis, a severe infection.

If the blockage occurs between the gallbladder and the common bile duct, a person is at risk of cholecystitis. This refers to inflammation of the gallbladder that can lead to a severe infection or the rupturing of the gallbladder. Both of these complications of cholecystitis require emergency surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Healthcare professionals suggest that people can prevent bile duct obstructions from recurring by maintainingTrusted Source a healthy weight. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help someone maintain a healthy weight.

A person should speak with their doctor for advice and support about any lifestyle changes they can make to prevent the risk of bile duct obstruction.

Biliary obstruction, or bile duct obstruction, describes when one of the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the intestine becomes blocked.

The most common causeTrusted Source of bile duct obstruction is gallstones. However, other possible causes include tumors, parasitic infection, and abdominal injury.

Treatment for bile duct obstruction depends on the underlying cause but may involve ERCP or surgery.

Bile duct obstruction can cause potentially life-threatening complications, if left untreated. Therefore, people should contact a doctor if they experience any symptoms of bile duct obstruction, such as pale stools, dark urine, or jaundice.