Benign Biliary Stricture

---

Benign Biliary Stricture

Biliary stricture, also referred to as bile duct stricture, occurs when the bile duct gets smaller or narrower. The bile duct is the tube that takes bile from the liver to the small intestine. When the duct becomes narrow, it makes it difficult for food to digest. Bile is a substance that helps in digestion of fats. Patients with mild biliary strictures may not show any symptoms. When symptoms develop, they may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), itching, and lightening of stool color.

Causes:

• Any damage done to the bile duct (after gallbladder removal surgery or the presence of a gallstone in the bile duct)

• Swelling of the bile duct

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Intestinal injuries

• Cancer in the bile duct or pancreas

Symptoms:

• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen

• Chills and fever

• Jaundice

• Itching

• Nausea or vomiting

• Gray-colored or pale-colored stool