Dilated common bile duct (CBD) refers to the fact that the passage through which the bile made by your liver and gallbladder passes on to your small intestine is enlarged (usually above 6 mm). Such enlargement is typically an indication of obstruction or other underlying problem and this is normally identified through ultrasound, CT scan, or MRCP.
Slowed or blocked bile flow may lead to:
The CBD can dilate under several circumstances and these are:
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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.
In the ICD-10 classification, the code for a dilated common bile duct is K83.1, which includes bile duct dilation and related conditions.
Yes. The common bile duct may slightly increase in size following gallbladder surgery as the body adapts to changes in bile storage and flow.
Not always. Mild dilation can be harmless, especially after surgery, but it should be evaluated to rule out obstruction, gallstones, strictures, or tumors.
The most frequent causes include gallstones (choledocholithiasis), scarring or strictures, tumors in the bile duct or pancreas, and post-surgical changes.
It means the bile duct diameter is above the normal range of 4–6 mm. Further imaging or tests are needed to determine the exact cause.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include ERCP to remove stones or insert a stent, laparoscopic surgery to remove strictures or tumors, or drainage procedures to relieve pressure.
Most patients recover well with proper treatment and regular follow-up. Periodic imaging and liver function tests help ensure bile flow returns to normal.
Yes. Some people have asymptomatic dilation that is discovered incidentally during imaging for other reasons.
Yes. A normal bile duct diameter (4–6 mm) generally indicates healthy bile flow without any obstruction or major issues.
At GastroDoxs in Houston, our board-certified specialists offer personalized evaluations, rapid imaging, ERCP, minimally invasive surgical options, and advanced treatments for bile duct conditions.
