What Causes Bile Duct Obstruction?

A bile duct obstruction, also known as biliary obstruction, is when one of the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the intestine via the gallbladder becomes blocked. If left untreated, this blockage can lead to serious complications, including severe infection.

The liver produces a liquid called bile. Bile contains cholesterol and bile salts that help the gut to digest fats. It also contains a waste product called bilirubin.

Bile passes through the bile ducts from the liver to the gallbladder, which stores it. It travels to the small intestine when it is needed to help digest food. This network of ducts is part of the biliary system.

When one or more of the ducts that transport bile become blocked, it is known as a bile duct obstruction. It is also commonly referred to as biliary obstruction.

A bile duct obstruction can lead to bile accumulating in the liver and a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.

Causes

Some of the most common causes of bile duct obstruction include:

Gallstones

Gallstones are a common cause of bile duct obstruction. They can form when there is a chemical imbalance in the gallbladder. If they are large enough, they may block a bile duct as they pass through the biliary system.

Bile duct or pancreatic cancer

Bile duct cancer refers to all cancers that develop within the biliary system. The resulting tumors may block a bile duct.

Pancreatic cancers can cause a bile duct obstruction if the tumor enters the intestine.

Cancers that have started elsewhere in the body may also spread to the biliary system where they can cause an obstruction.

Injury

A blockage can sometimes result from an injury that occurs during a medical procedure, such as gallbladder surgery or endoscopy.

Choledochal cysts

Choledochal cysts can sometimes cause bile duct obstructions. These cysts, which are sections of an enlarged bile duct, are congenital, meaning some people are born with them. They are also rare.