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

William S.
Kind,courteous and competent from start to finish.
Bruce L.
Made me feel comfortable with the whole procedure very professional
Leanna N.
Dr. John Weber is an outstanding doctor. I've had 4 colonoscopies at this center and his friendly professional personality makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. His staff follows his lead and are excellent as well. You are in good hands with Dr. Weber at the Center for digestive Health.
Kristen B.
Great nurses and quick turnaround in and out for colonoscopy.
bob R.
Dr Willy and his team have the best bed side manners. I had two procedures done and was in and out in 1 hour. I would highly recommend!!!
Paula R.
Friendly staff, they have the whole process streamlined. Whole process was seamless.
Joel H.
Great experience, very professional yet compassionate towards the patients.
Nick C.
Everything done promptly & courteously. Started on time & finished around expected timing. IV installed & retracted painlessly without any bad effects from poor handling. This was my experience. We came early & were admitted immediately. Everyone was overtly informative as what they would be doing in their part of the process. I was actually completed in the time I thought I would be beginning. My in office recovery was quick & complete. I wish all my medical encounters were done this way. Something to brag about instead of complaining. What a way to conduct business. Everyone deserves my gracious thanks.
Peggy M.
Dr Wille Richard was so easy to talk to and he made me feel right at home
Robyn F.
Very professional, staff was super friendly and thoughtful and doctors were very engaging and kind. I felt very comfortable. Thank you staff for making an uncomfortable procedure feel safe and relaxing!
Jean C.
I was very pleased with the way everyone was very professional about the whole process. The nurses, aides, secretary , and Dr. Bologna. They all were very kind and made me very comfortable. Thank you and God Bless
Travis M.
Very good
C V.
They ALWAYS are polite, professional, courteous very kind
Robert B.
I have had several preventative digestive tract inspections performed by Dr. Weber. The-procedure prep. Is explained very clearly and is leasier than in the past
D B.
Dr Weber and his staff are fabulous. I’ve been a patient here for more than 20 years now. The only way I’ll ever leave is if they kick me out, lol. This type of care is priceless. I feel blessed to have found Dr Weber. And my husband sees another doctor in the office - Dr Donut - both are fabulous!
Ken J.
Greta people, professional, really make you feel comfortable.
Camie F.
Had a good experience and would recommend this place for your procedure! Dr. Nandi was kind and reassured me that I was in good hands for my colonoscopy! The staff was friendly and knowledgeable! The not so good part was the prep the day before. The colonoscopy was a breeze!
Padma T.
Very friendly, courteous staff. Made it easy to make appointments and supportive during the visit. Highly Recommend.
Gerald W.
I felt very at ease with my procedure.
Alexandrea H.
Dr. Bologna and his entire staff are total pros. Highly recommend!
Lori L.
Everything and everyone was terrific!
Carol
Office and Medical staff are amazing!! Made an unpleasant procedure very comfortable. Highly recommend Dr. Willie.
Michelle L. H.
The staff is amazing! From the receptionist, to the nurses Michelle, Vicki, Chelsea, and Dr Bologna. Thank you for the care and attention and even the smiles.
Ann K.
Everyone was very nice.
Jason K.
Nothing but positive things to say about my visit. All the staff was very pleasant, they took time to make sure any questions were answered, and they treated me like I was the only person there not just another patient. Dr Bakken was receptive to all questions and made me feel at ease while in her care.
Kristie R.
I felt well taken care of during my whole colonoscopy procedure.
Lolita M.
It was a calm and peaceful experience.
Yesmain R.
Roger was undoubtedly the best nurse experience I’ve ever encountered!!
Joan E.
Received prompt attention at receiving desk. All nurses and doctor were very efficient and kind to me. Very happy with positive results of the Procedure!

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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