Common Bile Duct Stone Surgery in Delhi, India

The common bile duct is responsible for carrying bile from the liver to the small intestine. Often, this pathway can get blocked, which is why surgery is performed to remove such blockages in the duct. It is also known as choledochotomy.

Procedure Type

Minimally invasive

Speciality

Gastroenterology, Hepatology

Body Location

Bile ducts

When is it done?

Surgery for bile duct stones is indicated only when there is a failure or contraindication to non-surgical (endoscopic) therapy. Surgery to remove CBD stones is typically performed due to:

• Failure of non-surgical treatments, such as medication or endoscopic procedures.
• Stones being too large to be removed through less invasive means.
• Pain: CBD stones cause severe abdominal pain, especially after eating greasy or fatty foods.
• Jaundice: A blockage in the CBD can cause a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that causes the skin and eyes to turn yellow.
• Infection: If a CBD stone causes a blockage, it can lead to infection in the bile duct or the gallbladder, a condition known as cholangitis.
• Pancreatitis: In some cases, a CBD stone causes inflammation of the pancreas. The condition is also known as pancreatitis.
• Liver damage: If left untreated, CBD stones can cause damage to the liver over time.

Benefits of CBD surgery

The benefits of CBD stone surgery include:

• Relief of symptoms: Surgery to remove CBD stones can relieve the severe pain, inflammation, and infection caused by a blocked common bile duct.
• Improved digestion: After surgery, bile can flow freely from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Prevention of complications: If left untreated, CBD stones lead to serious complications like pancreatitis, cholangitis, and liver damage. Surgery to remove the stones can prevent these complications from occurring.

Preparation for Common Bile Duct stone surgery (CBD stone Surgery)

• The doctor will take the patient’s personal and medical history. A physical exam may be conducted aws well.
• The patient will undergo tests that assess their overall health and determine the extent of blockage in the common bile duct. 
• They may also need to fast for a certain period before the surgery.
• Patients may be asked to start or stop taking certain medications.

How is the procedure performed?

• Common bile duct surgery is performed under general anesthesia. 
• During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and locates the common bile duct. 
• They will then make an incision in the duct and remove the blockage, either by extracting it or using a tool to break it up. 
• The surgeon will then close the incision in the duct and the abdomen.

Risks of Common Bile Duct stone surgery (CBD stone Surgery)

Like any surgery, common bile duct surgery carries some risks, including:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Damage to nearby organs
• Complications related to anaesthesia 
• Bile leakage, which can cause abdominal pain and fever.

Recovery after Common Bile Duct stone surgery (CBD stone Surgery)

• After surgery patients need to stay in the hospital for some days to ensure they are healing properly. 
• Patients receive antibiotics and pain medications to prevent infection. 
• After discharge, patients must avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. They must also follow a special diet to help their body adjust to the changes in the digestive system. 
• Full recovery takes several weeks to a few months.

FAQs

Q1. Is ERCP better than surgery?

ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is a non-surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts. ERCP (endoscopic non-surgical) is the preferred method of treatment for bile duct stones. However, the choice of treatment depends on the individual case and the preference of the doctor.

Q2. How long does it take to recover from an ERCP?

Recovery time from ERCP varies depending on the individual case and the reason for the procedure. Generally, patients can go home the same day and resume normal activities within a day or two. However, it may take several days to fully recover from any discomfort or side effects.

Q3. Is a stone in the bile duct serious?

A stone in the bile duct can be a serious condition as it can cause pain, inflammation, and infection and, in rare cases, lead to life-threatening complications such as pancreatitis, cholangitis, or sepsis. Therefore, prompt medical attention and treatment are necessary.

Q4. Is ERCP a high-risk procedure?

ERCP is considered a safe procedure, but it does carry some risks, such as pancreatitis, bleeding, infection, and perforation of the bowel or bile duct. However, serious complications are rare. The benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks.

Q5. Can ERCP cause death?

While death is a rare complication of ERCP, it is possible. The risk of death is usually associated with pre-existing health conditions and complications that may arise during or after the procedure.

Q6. Can you live without a bile duct?

No, you cannot live without a bile duct. The bile duct plays an essential role in the digestive system by carrying bile from the liver to the small intestine. It aids in the digestion of fats, so without a functioning bile duct, the body cannot properly digest food and absorb nutrients, which can lead to serious health problems.

Review

Reviewed by the Gastro team on 27 May 2024.