Biliary Obstruction

Discover expert care for biliary obstruction at Peak Gastroenterology Associates, where advanced treatments meet compassionate support.

What Is Biliary Obstruction?

Biliary obstruction is a blockage in the bile ducts, which carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine. A blockage can prevent bile from helping digestion and cause waste products to build up in the liver, potentially resulting in severe health issues.

What Causes Biliary Obstruction?

Biliary obstruction can be caused by several factors, including:

Gallstones, the most common cause, can block the bile ducts.
Inflammatory strictures and narrowing of the ducts due to inflammation.
Pancreatic tumors or cysts that compress the bile ducts externally.
Biliary tract infections can cause swelling and blockage.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare form of liver disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Biliary Obstruction?

The symptoms of biliary obstruction can vary but typically include:

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Dark urine
Pale stools
Itchy skin
Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant
Fever and chills, indicating infection

How Is Biliary Obstruction Treated?

Treatment of biliary obstruction focuses on removing the blockage and addressing the underlying cause:

ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography): A procedure to remove blockages within the bile ducts.
Surgery: To remove tumors or gallstones causing the obstruction.
Medications: To treat infections or reduce inflammation caused by strictures.
Stenting: Placement of a small tube in the bile duct to keep it open.

Why Choose Us?

Choose Peak Gastroenterology Associates for your care because we combine cutting-edge treatments with a personalized approach, ensuring tailored, compassionate care. Our specialists are renowned for their expertise in managing complex biliary conditions, employing modern techniques to restore health and improve quality of life. Our practice boasts a multi-specialty team of renowned physicians, allowing us to provide our patients with comprehensive treatment plans that can address multiple health concerns.

If you have a history of gallstones or chronic liver disease, you may be at increased risk for biliary obstruction. The board-certified medical team at Peak Gastroenterology Associates offers the latest diagnostic technologies on-site at our Colorado Springs, Denver, or Lone Tree clinics to quickly identify obstructions.

Our customized treatment plans focus on removing the blockage and preventing serious health complications. Learn more about your options for treating biliary obstruction by calling the Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic nearest you or requesting an online appointment.

Biliary Obstruction FAQ

What is a biliary obstruction?

A biliary obstruction describes a blockage in your bile ducts, which carry bile from your liver and gallbladder through your pancreas and into your small intestine. Bile is a fluid your liver produces to help digest and absorb fats from your diet while clearing your liver of waste.

When the bile ducts become obstructed, it can lead to several complications. If left untreated, a biliary obstruction can cause a life-threatening liver condition.

What causes a biliary obstruction?

A blockage in the bile ducts can occur for several reasons. You may develop a biliary obstruction due to:

Cysts
Tumors
Gallstones
Inflammation
Enlarged lymph nodes
Narrowing of the bile duct (strictures)
Traumatic injury
Cirrhosis

What are the symptoms of biliary obstruction?

The symptoms of biliary obstruction depend on the root cause of the blockage. Some of the most common symptoms you may experience include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Dark urine
Abdominal pain
Light-colored stools
Unexplained weight loss
Jaundice (whites of the eyes appearing yellow)

How is a biliary obstruction diagnosed?

The team at Peak Gastroenterology Associates offers the latest diagnostic technologies to identify a biliary obstruction, such as:

MRI
Blood work
Ultrasound
Endoscopy

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, we may diagnose the condition with an advanced test called a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan. This outpatient procedure uses scan technology to follow radiotracers injected into the bloodstream. Peak Gastroenterology Associate's GI doctor can watch their movement in real-time to identify bile duct obstructions.

How is a biliary obstruction treated?

The goals of treating a biliary obstruction are to address the root cause of the blockage and prevent long-term complications, like infections and chronic liver disease. The Peak Gastroenterology Associates GI doctor may use advanced surgery to remove obstructions such as gallstones. As part of your surgery, your provider may also place a stent inside the duct to keep it open and allow bile to flow through properly.

If you have symptoms of biliary obstruction, don’t delay a diagnostic evaluation. You can contact the Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic nearest you using the online booking feature or by calling the office. At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, our team offers world-class, top-tier, patient-centered care in Denver, Colorado Springs, Lone Tree, and throughout Colorado.