BILE DUCT DISORDERS (STONES, STRICTURE- BENIGN/MALIGNANT)

What are bile duct stones?

Bile duct stones are hard stone-like pieces that get stuck inside the bile duct.
They usually come from the gallbladder and move into the bile duct.

Why do bile duct stones cause problems?

When a stone blocks the bile duct:

• Bile cannot flow properly

• Pressure builds up

• Infection and jaundice can occur

Common symptoms of bile duct stones

• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen

• Yellowing of eyes and skin (jaundice)

• Dark urine and pale stools

• Fever and chills (if infection develops)

• Nausea and vomiting

⚠ If fever + jaundice + pain occur together, it is an emergency.

How are bile duct stones treated?

• ERCP (endoscopy): stone is removed using a camera through the mouth

• Surgery if ERCP fails

• Gallbladder removal to prevent future stones.

   

 

BILIARY STRICTURE

What is a bile duct stricture?

A bile duct stricture means narrowing of the bile duct.

Think of it like:

A pipe that has become tight or squeezed, so liquid can’t pass easily.

Causes of bile duct stricture

• Injury during gallbladder surgery

• Long-standing stones or infection

• Inflammation

• Cancer (in some cases)

Symptoms of bile duct stricture

• Yellow eyes and skin

• Itching

• Dark urine

• Pale stools

• Repeated infections

• Weight loss (in long-standing cases)

How is bile duct stricture treated?

Treatment depends on cause:

• ERCP with stent (small tube placed to keep duct open)

• Balloon dilation

• Surgery to repair or bypass the narrowed duct

• Cancer treatment if malignancy is present

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Why early treatment is important

If untreated, both can cause:

• Severe infection

• Liver damage

• Blood poisoning (sepsis)

• Repeated hospital admissions