Best Bile Duct Surgery in Delhi, India

Bile duct surgery is a medical procedure that involves removing or reconstructing the bile ducts, which are the tubes that transport bile from the liver to the small intestine. The surgery may be necessary if a stone, blockage, injury, or cancer affects the bile ducts.

Procedure Type

Minimally invasive, can be open surgery

Speciality

General Surgery 

Body Location

Biliary system

When is Bile Duct Surgery Performed? 

Bile duct surgery is performed when medications and therapy have not provided relief. Some reasons why surgery is performed include:

• Gallstones: Bile duct surgery may be necessary to remove gallstones lodged in the bile ducts. This can cause pain, inflammation, and even infection.
• Bile duct obstruction: A blockage in the ducts can happen for many reasons, including tumours, cysts, or inflammation. Bile duct surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage and allow bile to flow normally.
• Bile duct injury: Bile ducts can be injured during other surgeries or accidents. In these cases, bile duct surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the damaged ducts.
• Biliary tract cancer: Surgery may be necessary to remove tumours in the bile ducts or other parts of the biliary tract.
• Liver transplant: Bile duct surgery may be necessary as part of a liver transplant procedure to connect the new liver to the patient's bile ducts.

Types of Bile Duct Procedures

Depending on the underlying condition, there are several types of bile duct surgery. Some common types of bile duct surgery include:

• Cholecystectomy: The surgical removal of the gallbladder. A cholecystectomy may be necessary if there is a blockage in the bile duct or if there are gallstones in the gallbladder.
• Choledocholithotomy: This surgery involves the removal of gallstones that migrate from the gallbladder in the common bile duct.
• Hepaticojejunostomy: This surgical procedure involves creating a new connection between the bile duct and the small intestine. This may be necessary if there is a blockage or injury to the bile duct.
• Cholangiogram: This procedure uses a dye to help visualise the bile duct. A small incision is made in the abdomen, and the dye is injected into the bile duct. X-rays are taken to help identify any blockages or abnormalities.
• Biliary Stenting: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a stent into the bile duct to help keep it open. It may be necessary if the bile duct is blocked or narrowing.

Preparation for Bile Duct Surgery

• The patient will be asked about their personal and family medical history and may undergo a few tests to evaluate the extent of the bile duct damage or blockage and their overall health.
• The doctor will provide instructions on preparing for surgery, including fasting, stopping certain medications, and getting plenty of rest.
• The patient should inform the doctor of their current medications, allergies and conditions.
• It is advised patients stop smoking a few weeks before and after the procedure since it can interfere with healing.

How is Bile Duct Procedure Performed?

• The individual is administered anaesthesia.
• An incision is made in the abdomen to access the bile ducts. 
• The surgeon may then remove the affected portion of the bile duct, reconstruct the duct, or create a new duct using tissue from other parts of the body. 
• After the duct has been removed or the obstruction has been cleared, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures and applies a bandage.

Risks Factors Associated with Bile Duct Surgery 

Like any surgical procedure, bile duct surgery has risks. These may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
• Blood clots
• Damage to nearby organs or structures.
• In some cases, additional surgeries may be necessary to address complications that arise during or after the procedure.

Recovery after Bile Duct Surgery

• After surgery, the patient will typically stay in the hospital for a few days to be monitored and to receive pain medication and antibiotics. 
• The recovery period varies depending on the extent of the surgery, and most patients return to daily activities within four to six weeks. 
• During this time, the patient needs to make dietary changes to accommodate the altered bile duct function. 
• The doctor will provide care instructions for the surgical incision and monitor for signs of complications.
•  Follow-up appointments are necessary to evaluate the success of the surgery and to monitor for potential complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 How long does it take to recover from bile duct surgery?

The recovery time after bile duct surgery depends on factors such as the type of surgery, the patient's overall health, and the presence of complications. On average, patients can expect to spend several days to several weeks in the hospital, followed by several weeks to several months of recovery time at home.

Q2 Can one live without a bile duct?

It is not possible to live without a bile duct, as the bile ducts play an important role in the digestive process. Bile produced by the liver is stored in the gallbladder and then released into the small intestine through the bile ducts to help with fat digestion.

Q3 What are the symptoms of bile duct problems?

Symptoms of bile duct problems can include jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, itching, and changes in bowel habits. In certain cases, there may be no symptoms, and the problem is discovered incidentally during a medical procedure or imaging test.

Q5 How long can you survive with a blocked bile duct?

The duration of time that a person can survive with a blocked bile duct can vary depending on factors like the cause of the blockage, the severity of the blockage, and the patient's overall health. In some cases, a blocked bile duct can be resolved with medication or a minimally invasive procedure, while in other cases, it may require surgery.

Q6 What causes bile duct damage?

Bile duct damage is caused by several factors, including injury, inflammation, infection, and gallstones. Certain medical conditions, like primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune diseases, and cancers of the bile duct or liver, can also cause bile duct damage.

Q7 Does a blocked bile duct hurt?

A blocked bile duct can cause pain and discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, as well as other symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, and itching. In some cases, the pain may be severe and require medical attention.

Q8 How long can a stent stay in the bile duct?

The duration of time that a bile duct stent can remain in place depends on factors like the size and location of the blockage, the type of stent used, and the patient's overall health. Some bile duct stents can remain in place for several months, while others may need to be replaced after a few weeks or months.

Review

Reviewed By Dr. K K Trehan, Senior Director, Laparoscopic / Minimal Access Surgery, General Surgery on 30 May 2024.