Biliary stricture

Alternative names:

bile duct stricture

Treatment:

Endoscopic (using an endoscope, which is a device with a light that can be used to visualize the inside of a body cavity) or percutaneous ("through the skin") opening of the stricture has been successful with some strictures depending on the location.

The objective of surgical therapy is to re-establish the flow of bile into the intestine. Depending on the location of the stricture, it may be resected and the biliary duct rejoined with the small intestine or the hepatic duct.

Expectations (prognosis):

Treatment is usually successful.

Complications:

Recurrent inflammation of the biliary duct and stricture can occur in up to 10% of patients.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms recur after pancreatitis, cholecystectomy, or other biliary surgery.