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

Gordon W.
Excellent. Friendly. Outstanding in all aspects of my colonoscopy procedure.
Karen M.
Dr. Willie is the absolute best doctor. I can't say enough about him. He is so compassionate and cares about his patients. Everyone in the office greeted you with a smile, was so friendly and willing to make sure you were taken care of. I would recommend Center for Digestive Health to all of my family and friends. Thank you for taking such good care of me. Karen Morency
Marie S.
Kind and caring staff, Dr. Nandi is the best, just outstanding. Thank you.
K M.
Very professional and friendly from when I arrived until I was discharged!
michele B.
Staff is very kind and professional. Made me feel very comfortable. They help each other out and that is a very good reflection of the whole team.
faeka A.
Very nice doctor so helpful n listen carefully to the patient I really appreciate his advices I’m very happy visiting him thx
Larry B.
Dr Quallich is that 1 in a million doctor that informs you, cares for you, gives you confidence in the process and always has a kind word for your questions.
Erik E.
Very well organized and professional.
Debbie M.
I have been seeing Dr. Weber for over 20 years. He is wonderful! He listens and let's you ask all your questions. He does not rush you out. I have total confidence in him. The staff is great as well. I would definitely recommend Dr. Weber.
Deb T.
The staff is amazing - Dr. Willie was wonderful. His bedside manner was pleasant, made me feel comfortable right away. Everyone from the front desk to the before surgery, after entering the surgery room and the aftercare was excellent. I never went there before and was a bit nervous but that went away immediately. I would highly recommend this office. Thank you to everyone there. Truly genuine and caring. Keep up the great work!
Janet G.
The staff here make you feel comfortable in an otherwise uncomfortable situation.
Anne G.
Pleasant efficient staff and courteous informative visit with Dr. Bologna ! Informative and clear directions, personal connection is so important with my diagnosis. I’m comfortable talking with Dr Bologna and always feel he has a personal connection with my diagnosis
p C.
Very pleasant experience . Dr Bakken is fantastic! Everyone was very kind & compassionate.
Larry H.
Efficient service and very friendly staff
John C.
Very professional and caring staff
Carolyn S.
Flexible appointment schedule. I was able to schedule a tele-health appointment in less than a week. The office staff was friendly, helpful and professional. Dr. Abadir I spoke to was knowledgeable and answered all of my questions. I would refer this practice to anyone looking for a gastroenterology doctor.
marcie W.
Difficult proceedure to schedule because its not a fun one!! However, the entire experience was incredible....except the prep of course! Dr. Bakken and staff make everything so easy. Thank you so much!
Shahid B.
I have been a patient since 2011. My experience has always been positive at all stages. All the staff were extremely courteous and professional. Dr Nandi is a dignified professional. I am very fortunate to have him as my doctor.
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.
Joel D.
Great experience. Very friendly and efficient staff. Checked up on me the next day.
Brian F.
Great people, great experience.. considering the procedure anyway 😄
Sharon C.
I was nervous since not having a colonoscopy and endoscopy one right after another. I was in and out in no time,the staff and Dr. Backken were very nice and comforting.I would recommend Dr.Bakken and the staff very highly. Sharon Collins
K T.
Everyone was very kind, professional and caring. Dr. Bologna is the best! Very clean facility. I highly recommend.
david M.
Everything worked out great. The prep the time spent in procedure and recovery. I feel great and it was a good experience!
Robert B.
They are the best, very professional and very caring. Dr Wille is the best. I have been to the Macomb facility twice and both times were an excellent experience. Considering that I was there for a colonoscopy both times.
Leah W.
The staff from the front desk to the procedure room was the most amazing group of ladies that I had the pleasure of meeting. They do their absolute best to make sure that you are at ease, comfortable, and understand what is happening. They are extremely compassionate and they make a not so comfortable experience into a pleasurable one. These women love their job and and people.
JoAnn M.
I seen Noelle she was very good I was pleased with her answers and the test she had me do.
Cathy W.
From the pleasant staff to the wonderful and understanding Dr. Saeed ,I felt that my concerns and questions were heard and professionally answered. I would highly recommend using the Troy Center for Digestive Health.
Meagan 2.
Everyone was so nice and friendly. They knew what they were talking about and when having a procedure with them everything went very well. Would definitely recommend!!

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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