A condition in which bile is blocked from entering the intestines, creating pressure in the bile ducts. Bile duct obstruction may be due to scar tissue from inflammation, gallstones (hard masses that can form in the gallbladder), bile duct cancer, or pancreatic tumors.
When a bile duct experiences a blockage or narrowing, it can cause various complications. The obstruction of a bile duct leads to the accumulation of bile within the liver, a condition known as cholestasis. This buildup of bile causes jaundice, which manifests as yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The underlying reason for jaundice is the excessive presence of bilirubin, a pigment found in bile, in the bloodstream. If the obstruction persists over an extended period, it can give rise to a severe form of liver disease called secondary biliary cirrhosis.
The primary culprit behind bile duct obstruction is often gallstones, which account for the majority of cases. However, there are other factors that can lead to this condition. For instance, a tumor affecting the pancreas or cancer that has metastasized from other parts of the body can also cause obstruction. Although rare, cholangiocarcinoma, a type of cancer that originates in the bile ducts, can result in a blockage. Additionally, certain medications have been associated with the rare side effect of bile duct obstruction. Inflammation of the bile ducts, known as cholangitis, as well as traumatic events like surgical injury, can also lead to obstruction. In exceptionally rare instances, flukes or worms may be responsible for causing the obstruction of the bile duct.
The presence of bile duct obstruction leads to a condition known as “obstructive” jaundice, which exhibits distinct symptoms. These include pale-colored stools, dark urine, and a yellowing of the skin. Itching may also accompany these symptoms. The manifestation of additional symptoms of bile duct obstruction varies depending on the underlying cause of the blockage. For instance, abdominal pain is commonly experienced in cases involving gallstones, while weight loss may be observed in individuals affected by cancer.
The appropriate treatment for bile duct obstruction varies depending on its underlying cause. In certain cases, surgery becomes necessary. When gallstones are the culprit, they can be eliminated using a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). ERCP involves the use of an endoscope, a tube equipped with instruments, which allows for the visualization of the bile ducts through X-ray imaging. Through this procedure, gallstones can be removed effectively.