Biliary stricture is a term used to describe a constriction of the bile duct, a tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestines. Various factors can cause the bile duct to constrict, including gallstones, scar tissue, pancreatitis, tumors, and a condition known as primary sclerosing cholangitis. As a biliary stricture can limit the body's ability to break down food properly, it can cause digestive discomfort and can also lead to the buildup of waste in the body. There are several treatment options for biliary stricture, most of which involve addressing the underlying cause of the bile duct constriction.
Bile is a fluid that helps the body break down fats during the digestive process. It is produced by the liver and excessive amounts of bile are stored in the gallbladder. The bile duct is a tube that connects the liver and gallbladder to a portion of the small intestine known as the duodenum. Normally, this duct carries bile to the duodenum as part of the digestive process.
However, in the case of a biliary stricture, the width of the biliary tube contracts. Many factors can cause this constriction. For example, pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas, a gallstone, or a tumor in a nearby organ can push on the bile duct and cause it to narrow. Scar tissue from previous surgery or gallstones can also block the tube. An autoimmune condition known as primary sclerosing cholangitis can cause ongoing inflammation of the bile duct.
Because a biliary stricture can limit the body's ability to break down fats found in food, many of its common symptoms are based on the digestive system. It can cause abdominal discomfort and nausea, for example. The condition can also cause waste to build up in the body, which in turn can lead to symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes and skin and itchiness.
In some cases, a biliary stricture can be treated with the surgical implantation of a stent or a small device that keeps the walls of the biliary tube open. However, treatment for this condition often involves addressing its underlying cause. For example, if the condition is caused by gallstones, a doctor may recommend removal of the gallbladder. If a benign tumor is to blame for the constriction, surgery may be advisable, while a malignant tumor may require chemotherapy or radiation therapy.