Biliary Obstruction

What is Biliary Obstruction?

A biliary obstruction is a condition that occurs when there is a blockage in a duct that transports bile either from the liver to the gallbladder or the gallbladder to the small intestine. The liver releases bile, which is a fluid that contains cholesterol, waste products, and bile salts. When a person suffers a biliary obstruction, bile builds up in the liver, and the person will become jaundiced as a result of bilirubin buildup in the blood.

What causes a biliary obstruction?

According to experts, there are several potential causes of a biliary obstruction. These include:
  • Gallstones
  • Tumors
  • Trauma, such as an injury from a surgery
  • Inflamed bile ducts
  • Cysts
The following risk factors can also increase a person’s likelihood of developing a biliary obstruction:
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Bile duct cancer
  • Recent surgery
  • Trauma to the abdomen
  • Infections in people with weakened immune systems
  • Symptoms of Biliary Obstruction
The symptoms of biliary obstruction are as follows:
  • Pale stool
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Yellowing of the skin due to jaundice
  • Itchiness
  • Pain in the upper right portion of the stomach
  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • When a doctor conducts diagnostic tests for a biliary obstruction, they will find that bilirubin and liver enzymes are elevated. A doctor may also perform an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to reveal a biliary obstruction.

What is the treatment for a biliary obstruction?

Treatment for a biliary obstruction may require surgery. If gallstones are the cause of the biliary obstruction, the gallbladder may be removed. An endoscopy is another form of treatment for a biliary obstruction. A doctor may also prescribe antibiotics if the biliary obstruction has caused an infection. When untreated, a biliary obstruction can lead to life-threatening infection or chronic liver disease. If you have symptoms of a biliary infection, it is important to receive medical care.

Applicable Procedures

ERCP

Will a biliary obstruction heal on its own?

If a biliary obstruction is not treated, it can lead to life-threatening infection or chronic liver disease. It is therefore critical to seek treatment, instead of expecting the condition to improve on its own.

What is the treatment for biliary obstruction?

Your physician will help you decide upon the best course of treatment, based upon the cause of biliary obstruction. Treatment can include surgery, removing the gallbladder, or taking an antibiotic medication if there is an infection.

What causes biliary instruction?

There are several potential causes of biliary obstruction, including cysts, injury from a surgery, tumors, or gallstones. Having a weakened immune system or suffering from certain types of cancer can increase the risk of a biliary obstruction.

Common Symptoms

  • “I suddenly began to experience pain during bowel movements, and I noticed I was bleeding afterward.”
  • “After wiping, I saw fresh, bright red blood on the toilet paper, and I was in pain for several hours.”
  • “I felt a small bump near my anus, as well as a small crack in the skin around that area.”

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What They Are Saying

Dr. John W.
Dr. Webber is an outstanding doctor! He is professional, knowledgeable, thorough, and has a fabulous presence with his patients. His office staff are helpful and put patients at ease regarding their visits. I strongly recommend Dr. Webber for your medical care.
Jennifer S.
All staff were professional and courteous from start to finish. The doctors and other medical staff were excellent and made me feel very comfortable.
Debbie C.
The entire staff is very professional but friendly. Samantha is one of the PA and she listened and was very helpful when I called. Dr. Tocco takes his time and is trying to get to the cause of my issues. The ladies at the front desk and scheduling desk answer all questions with a smile. Thank you!
Danielle W.
Awesome staff and Dr Abidar is wonderful
Dave D.
Great staff and Doctors!!!
Cathi
All of the staff from reception to discharge were friendly and fabulous. Doctor Bakken greeted me before procedure and explained everything after the procedure. Very good experience.
Douglas P.
Fast in and out. Removed polyp.
Paul M.
The pa saw on line very informative helped a lot
John L.
Staff and doctor very professional from beginning to end. All went quickly and easily. Thanks.
mary R.
Quick. Efficient. And treated with respect
Sydney B.
1st Colonscopy procedure was a positive experience, all things considered. Surgical staff was pleasant, knowledgeable and efficient. Dr Bakken was professional and kind and completed the procedure accordingly. Highly recommend Surgical Centers of Michigan for this necessary health procedure.
Mary B.
Very efficient overall.
Robin R.
Dr Weber instills confidence and the office staff are very kind. The pre-op nurses had me laughing, which made me much less nervous before my colonoscopy. The scope was fast and painless. The staff responsible for checking medications prior to the appt were clear and patient. The prep still sucks but the 3 day prep seemed gentler than the 2 day prep. The whole experience gets 5 stars! If you have to get it done, I highly recommend dr. W
C F.
Great staff. Everyone was very attentive.
Edna C.
My experience was satisfactory. The staff at Macomb clinic were professional, kind and compassionate. Thank you.
Sharyn C.
Staff very friendly & helpful. Love Dr. Wille
David C.
Everything was top notch from the prep, procedure, and recovery.
David A.
Rarely have I received the kind of customer service that I received from Center for Digestive health on my recent visit. The entire staff, from the receptionist to the nurses to the doctors are friendly efficient and professional. This is my third time having a colonoscopy with them, and each time it has been a very excellent experience. Highly recommend!
chevon H.
Very professional, and kind!
Tena C.
Everyone was friendly, professional,efficient and kind. A very good experience
Joe C.
The staff was friendly and efficient. The dr that performed my procedure was knowledgeable and clearly defined what was done and the final (good) results ; will definitely go back to this group for more required tests.
L C.
Very pleased with the expertise and care Dr. Donat provides. I’m very thankful!
April S.
Dr Quallich and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Explained everything so that I could understand. I highly recommend this Dr.
Thomas H.
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Nandi for 20+ years and he is second to none. He is caring and compassionate but also professional and efficient. He always gives you as much time as you need to explain yourself and I never feel rushed. He is also very good at coordinating with other members of my care team to make sure all my health goals are not in conflict. Updated 06/12/2024. Still a big Dr Nandi fan. He does all my Gastro stuff plus he coordinates with my other doctors for the issues related to an aging male with multiple problems. Quite simply, Dr Nandi is the best.
Tom S.
I was weighed and the taken to an exam room promptly where BP and temp were taken. Dr. Wille came in shortly after and I was on my way home 20 minutes after my appointment time. Dr. Wille explained test results, discussed my situation, and ordered additional testing, and did not rush me at all.
Ayah H.
Dr.bakken was phenomenal. She took her time and listened to all my concerns.
Mary V.
Everyone was kind from start do finish of my procedure. Staff, Doctor. Highly recommend this facility k
Mary B.
Very efficient overall.
Angie K.
Dr. Quallich is the best! Very helpful, kind and patient. Always up to date on new treatment options.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. 

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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