Bile Duct Stricture (Disease of Gallbladder)

Bile duct strictures can arise from several conditions, including

• Trauma or Surgery: Injury to the bile ducts during abdominal surgery or due to external trauma can lead to scarring and narrowing
• Inflammatory Disorders: Conditions like sclerosing cholangitis cause inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts, resulting in strictures
• Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas can affect the bile ducts, leading to strictures
• Radiation Therapy: Previous radiation treatment in the abdominal area may cause scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts
• Tumors: Growths in or near the bile ducts can obstruct bile flow, leading to strictures
• Infections: Certain infections can cause inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts

The symptoms of a bile duct stricture depend on its severity and location but may include

• Jaundice
• Abdominal Pain
• Dark Urine and Pale Stools
• Itchy Skin
• Fever and Chills

To accurately diagnose a bile duct stricture, healthcare providers may utiliz:

• CT Scan Assesses the site of the stricture and liver conditio.
• MRI with MRCP Provides detailed imaging of the biliary system to identify and locate stricture.
• Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC) Involves injecting contrast dye into the bile ducts to visualize obstruction.

Effective management of bile duct strictures is essential to prevent complications such as liver damag. Treatment approaches include:

• Endoscopic Stent Placement Using an endoscope, a stent (a small tube) is inserted into the narrowed bile duct to keep it open, facilitating bile flow. This procedure is often performed during an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
• Surgical Intervention If stenting is not effective or suitable, surgery may be performed to bypass the narrowed section. Procedures like hepaticojejunostomy (connecting the bile duct to the jejunum) or choledochoduodenostomy (connecting the bile duct to the duodenum) can restore bile flow. Advances in laparoscopic and robotic techniques have improved recovery times and reduced postoperative pai.