A dilated common bile duct (CBD) means that the tube carrying bile from your liver and gallbladder to your small intestine is wider than normal (typically over 6 mm). This enlargement often signals an obstruction or other underlying issue and is usually detected by ultrasound, CT scan, or MRCP.
When bile flow is slowed or blocked, you may experience:
Several conditions can cause the CBD to dilate, including:
Don’t wait to address a dilated common bile duct. At GastroDoxs in Houston, our board-certified specialists offer personalized evaluations, cutting-edge diagnostics, and advanced treatments to get you back to health. Contact us now to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief and improved digestive well-being.
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Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
The ICD-10 code for dilated common bile duct is K83.1, which covers bile duct dilation and related conditions.
Yes. It is common for the common bile duct to enlarge slightly after gallbladder surgery as your body adapts to changes in bile storage and flow.
Not always. Mild dilation can be benign, especially post-surgery, but any dilation should be evaluated to rule out obstruction, stones, strictures, or tumors.
The leading causes include gallstones blocking the duct (choledocholithiasis), strictures from scarring, tumors in the bile duct or pancreas, and post-surgical changes.
It means the duct's diameter exceeds the normal 4-6 mm range. Further imaging or tests will be needed to determine the underlying cause.
Treatment depends on the cause but may include ERCP to remove stones or place a stent, laparoscopic surgery for strictures or tumors, and drainage procedures to relieve pressure.
With appropriate treatment and follow-up, most patients recover well. Regular imaging and liver function tests help ensure normal bile flow returns.
Yes. Some people have asymptomatic dilation discovered incidentally during routine imaging for other reasons.
Yes. A normal diameter (4-6 mm) generally indicates your bile is flowing properly and there is no obstruction or significant disease.
At GastroDoxs in Houston, our board-certified specialists offer advanced imaging, ERCP, minimally invasive surgery, and personalized follow-up care to treat bile duct conditions.
