Alternate Names : Bile duct stricture
Definition
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.
Overview, Causes, & 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:
- Cancer of the bile duct
- Damage and scarring due to a gallstone in the bile duct
- Pancreatitis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Risk factors include previous biliary surgery, pancreatitis, gallstones, or injury to the intestine.
Pictures & Images
Bile pathway
The biliary system is comprised of the organs and duct system that create, transport, store and release bile into the duodenum for digestion. Includes the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts (named the cystic, hepatic, common, and pancreatic duct).
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Biliary stricture : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Biliary stricture : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Biliary stricture : Treatment
Review Date : 9/20/2008
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
