Biliary tract surgery refers to a procedure performed on your biliary tract. The biliary tract is a duct system responsible for transporting bile from the liver to your small intestine. Bile plays an important role in helping your body digest the fat in the food you consume.
The system has a common bile duct that connects every part of your duct system together, including your gallbladder and liver to your small intestine. Sometimes, blockages form in the duct system that require treatment and, occasionally, biliary tract surgery. Biliary tract surgery is usually performed to remove kidney stones ortreat cancer, strictures, or other illnesses and diseases that may affect the biliary tract system.
Like many illnesses and medical disorders, there are quite a few causes behind bile duct blockages that may necessitate biliary tract surgery. One of the most common causes of blockages is kidney stones. Other causes are typically linked to more serious medical conditions. Examples include bile duct cancer, known as cholangiocarcinoma,and strictures, which are scars that form in the ducts shortly after an infection, inflammation, or surgery.
Other disorders that may cause bile duct blockages include primary biliary cirrhosis and sclerosing cholangitis, although both these conditions are rare and tend to cause persistent inflammation in the walls of your bile ducts. Over time, this causes bile duct walls to become narrowed and scarred.
Biliary atresia is another rare condition that causes bile duct blockages. The condition usually occurs in infants between two and six weeks after birth before the bile ducts have time to develop completely.
Other more common causes include the following:
If you think you may be experiencing bile duct blockages, be on the lookout for a handful of symptoms. With thiscondition, some symptoms can be abrupt and painful, while others appear more gradually over time. Additionally, while some symptoms may result froman increase of waste buildup in your body, others may result from the ducts’ failure to transport important digestive liquids to other parts of the biliary system, such as the intestines. When this happens, your body may struggle to absorb vitamins and fats.
Common symptoms to keep an eye out for include the following:
If you think you might have a bile duct blockage, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Fortunately, there are many tests available to diagnose bile duct obstructions, including:
Like other medical conditions and illnesses, there are preventative measures you can take to prevent obstructions. For starters, try increasing the amount of fiber in your diet and cut back on sugars and saturated fats. Also, if you’re overweight or obese, commit to getting your weight within a healthy range.
This post was last modified on July 14, 2023 7:54 am
Spider veins are a common cosmetic concern for many people, causing small, visible veins to appear just beneath the surface… Read More
Digital Signage for Hospitals: Streamlining Communication in Hospitals SEO description: The use of digital signage for hospitals transforms the way… Read More
Oxygen is the most critical element for human survival, and in scenarios where oxygen levels are compromised, having access to… Read More
In the world of competitive sports and bodybuilding, serious athletes are always on the lookout for reliable, high-quality supplements to… Read More
Car accidents can change lives, causing long-term injuries that affect physical health, finances, and emotional well-being. Recognizing these effects is… Read More
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition that can result from various forms of negligence, such as car accidents,… Read More
It sucks to be on a tight budget. You have to pick and choose what you buy at the grocery… Read More
We’ve all laid in bed tossing and turning, not being able to sleep. But what if this is happening to… Read More
Addiction can profoundly impact every aspect of an individual’s life, from their physical health to their relationships, career, and spiritual… Read More
The mental health landscape for teenagers is increasingly concerning. Adolescence is a period fraught with changes—physically, emotionally, and socially—that can… Read More