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.
Alternative Names
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.
The goal of treatment is to correct the narrowing so bile flow normally from the liver into the intestine.
This may involve:
Surgery
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
Expectations (prognosis)
Treatment is usually successful.
Complications
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.
References
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.
Review Date:
5/1/2012
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
