Bile Duct Disorders

Bile is a digestive fluid secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder which normally is released into the duodenum portion of the small intestine through the sphincter of Oddi. Bile, released after a meal containing fats, aids in absorption and digestion of the fat.

Your liver makes a digestive juice called bile. Your gallbladder stores it between meals. When you eat, your gallbladder pushes the bile into tubes called bile ducts. They carry the bile to your small intestine. The bile helps break down fat. It also helps the liver get rid of toxins and wastes.

Different diseases can block the bile ducts and cause a problem with the flow of bile:

• Gallstones, which can increase pressure in the gallbladder and cause a gallbladder attack. The pain usually lasts from one to several hours.
• Cancer
• Infections
• Inflammation, which can cause scarring. Over time, this can lead to liver failure.

Treatment

• Ultrsound
• MRCP
• ERCP

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Bile Duct Disease Resources:

• Medline Plus - Bile Duct Diseases
• Cleveland Clinic - Bile Duct Exploration