An obstruction of the bile duct occurs when bile cannot move from the liver to the small intestine. Bile helps digest fats and remove waste. A blockage can happen in the common bile duct, gallbladder, or smaller bile channels. Even one gallstone can cause a blockage, leading to intense pain and other symptoms. If not treated, this condition can become serious.
Signs of a blocked bile duct often appear suddenly. Watch for:
Many factors can block the bile ducts. Common causes include:
When you're dealing with a bile duct obstruction, you deserve expert care tailored to your needs. At GastroDoxs in Katy, our board-certified gastroenterologists combine advanced imaging and endoscopic technology with personalized treatment plans-ranging from ERCP and stent placement to minimally invasive surgery-to restore healthy bile flow and alleviate your symptoms. Don't wait for complications to arise: book your appointment today and let our compassionate team guide you toward lasting relief and better digestive health.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
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.
Patients often experience a sudden, sharp pain in the upper right abdomen that may radiate to the back, along with nausea, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
The ICD-10 code commonly used is "K80.3 - Calculus of bile duct with obstruction." Your physician will confirm the exact code based on imaging and clinical findings.
Yes. If not promptly treated, a blocked bile duct can lead to persistent inflammation, scarring of the ducts (strictures), recurrent infections, and even irreversible liver damage.
Untreated obstruction can result in serious complications such as cholangitis (bile duct infection), pancreatitis, sepsis, and, in severe cases, liver failure.
No. While gallstones are a common cause, blockages can also arise from bile duct strictures, tumors in the bile duct or pancreas, cysts, infections, or surgical injury.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Options include endoscopic stent placement or drainage, antibiotic therapy if infected, and, if necessary, surgical removal of the obstruction or rerouting of bile flow.
Risk factors include recurrent infections, chronic pain, malabsorption of fats, weight loss, and long-term damage to the liver and pancreas if the obstruction persists.
You should seek immediate evaluation if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe upper abdominal pain, fever, chills, dark urine, or pale stools.
Yes. Through ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), a specialist can remove stones, dilate narrowed ducts, and place stents without open surgery.
No. Many patients respond well to endoscopic treatments (e.g., stenting or stone extraction) combined with medications. Surgery is reserved for cases where less invasive methods are insufficient.
