It refers to the narrowing or complete closure of the bile ducts. Bile ducts consist of tubes that carry bile produced in the liver to the small intestines. Bile is a liquid that helps digest fats. Bile duct obstruction, It prevents bile from passing into the intestines and can cause various health problems.

What is Bile Duct Obstruction and What Are Its Symptoms?

It is a condition where the bile ducts narrow or completely close for any reason. Bile ducts function as tubes that transport bile produced in the liver to the small intestines. This obstruction prevents bile from passing into the intestines and causes various problems in the digestive system.

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes occurs as a result of bile passing through the blood and accumulating in the skin. Jaundice is the most obvious symptom. Dark color occurs when bile pigments pass into the urine. Urine that is darker than normal may be an indication of a blockage.

Discolouration of stool due to lack of bile may be a sign of an obstruction. Stools that are lighter in color than normal indicate an obstruction in the bile duct.

Severe pain and discomfort, especially in the upper right abdomen, may be a symptom caused by an obstruction. Nausea and vomiting may occur due to problems in the digestive system. An itching sensation may occur as a result of the accumulation of bile salts in the skin.

Bile duct obstruction, It is important to seek medical attention when symptoms occur, as they can lead to serious health problems. Diagnosis is usually made by ultrasonography, blood tests and endoscopic methods. Treatment varies depending on the cause of the blockage.

Causes and Risk Factors of Bile Duct Obstruction

It is caused by various reasons that prevent the transport of bile from the liver to the small intestines. This blockage can cause serious problems in the digestive system.

• Stones formed in the gallbladder can block the bile ducts, preventing bile from flowing freely. Gallstones are one of the most common causes of obstruction.
• Tumors that develop in the bile ducts or surrounding organs can block bile flow. These tumors, especially bile cancers or pancreatic cancer, can cause such blockages.
• Bacterial or parasitic infection causes inflammation, leading to obstruction.
• Congenital stenosis or stenosis resulting from inflammation creates a narrowing in the bile duct, making it difficult for bile to pass.
• A history of gallstones or biliary tract disease may increase a person's risk of obstruction.
• High cholesterol and fatty foods can increase the risk of obstruction by encouraging gallstone formation.
• Being overweight increases the risk of gallstones and can therefore lead to gallstones.
• Women and the elderly may be at higher risk.
• Liver diseases and other chronic conditions affect the bile ducts, causing obstruction.

Understanding causes and risk factors is important for early diagnosis and effective treatment. When symptoms occur, the best step is to consult a specialist doctor.

Surgical and Medical Treatment Approaches for Bile Duct Obstruction

Bile duct obstruction Treatment varies depending on the cause and severity of the blockage. Both surgical and medical treatment approaches are available and are often used together.

Depending on the cause of the blockage, various medications are used for pain management and infection control. Antibiotics are used for gallbladder infections and painkillers are used to relieve pain.

It is possible to treat gallstones medically. This usually involves medications to dissolve the stones or techniques to break the stones into smaller pieces. However, these methods may not be effective in all cases.

ERCP is used to remove stones or other blockages in the bile ducts. The bile duct is visualized through the endoscope and necessary interventions are performed.

If present due to stones in the gallbladder, the gallbladder must be surgically removed. This laparoscopic surgery is performed through small incisions and generally provides a faster recovery time. In more complex or advanced cases, open surgery may be used. With this method, surgical intervention is performed by making a larger incision in the abdominal area.

Bile duct obstruction The course of treatment is determined by the doctor depending on the patient's general health condition and the cause of the obstruction. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the risks of complications can be reduced and the patient's quality of life is increased.