Diseases of the bile ducts

What are the bile ducts?

The bile ducts are a series of tubes that transport bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Bile is a fluid that helps with digestion and the absorption of fats and vitamins.

What are the main diseases of the bile ducts?

There are several diseases that can affect the bile ducts, including:

Primary biliary cholangitis: An autoimmune disease in which the bile ducts are inflamed and slowly destroyed. Bile duct obstruction: A blockage in the bile ducts that can be caused by gallstones, inflammation, or tumours. Cholangitis: An infection of the bile ducts that can cause fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Biliary stricture: An abnormal narrowing of the bile ducts that can cause abdominal pain and jaundice. Biliary stones: The presence of gallstones in the common bile duct, which can cause abdominal pain and jaundice.

What are the main symptoms of bile duct diseases?

Symptoms of bile duct diseases can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.

How are bile duct diseases treated?

Treatment options depend on the specific disease and may include medications, surgery, or other procedures. If you are experiencing symptoms of a bile duct disease, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. 

How are diseases of the bile duct diagnosed?

The diagnosis of bile duct diseases depends on the specific condition. For example, primary biliary cholangitis can usually be diagnosed using blood tests and an ultrasound scan. If the diagnosis is still uncertain, a liver biopsy may be performed.

Bile duct obstruction can be diagnosed using imaging tests such as CT scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If you are experiencing symptoms of a bile duct disease, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.