The bile ducts are a network of small tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder into the intestine. Bile helps the body digest fats.Problems affecting these ducts can interfere with bile flow and may cause pain, jaundice, infection, or liver damage.
Bile duct problems may include:
● Bile duct stones
● Bile duct strictures or narrowing
● Bile duct infections
● Primary sclerosing cholangitis
● Other structural or inflammatory disorders
● Bile duct tumours
Symptoms can include:
● Yellowing of the skin and eyes
● Dark urine
● Pale stools
● Itching
● Upper abdominal pain
● Fever and chills
● Nausea
● Fatigue
Bile duct disorders can develop because of:
● Gallstones
● Inflammation or infection
● Previous surgery or injury
● Chronic liver or bile duct disease
● Autoimmune conditions
● Tumours
Jaundice, persistent abdominal pain, fever with chills, dark
urine, or pale stools should be evaluated by a doctor.
Fever, severe abdominal pain, and jaundice occurring
together can indicate an infection or obstruction requiring urgent treatment.
Evaluation may include blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, CT
scans, MRI/MRCP, and endoscopic procedures such as ERCP when appropriate.
Treatment depends on the specific disorder. It may include
medication, antibiotics for infection, removal of bile duct stones, procedures
to open narrowed ducts, stent placement, or surgery in selected cases.
Early treatment can help restore bile flow and prevent
complications such as infection and liver damage.
