Biliary stricture

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Bile pathway

Bile duct stricture

Surgery (endoscopic or percutaneous dilation) is needed to correct the narrowing. The goal of surgery is to re-establish the flow of bile from the liver into the intestine. Depending on the location, the stricture may be surgically removed and the biliary duct rejoined with the small intestine or the hepatic duct.

For some patients, a stent is placed across the bile duct stricture to keep it open.

Treatment is usually successful.

Recurrent inflammation of the biliary duct and stricture can occur in some patients. Patients are at risk for infection developing above the stricture. Long-standing strictures can lead to cirrhosis.

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

Review Date: 07/25/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.