Benign Biliary stricture, also referred to as bile duct stricture, occurs when the bile duct gets smaller or narrower. The bile duct is the tube that takes bile from the liver to the small intestine. When the duct becomes narrow, it makes it difficult for food to digest. Bile is a substance that helps in digestion of fats. Patients with mild biliary strictures may not show any symptoms. When symptoms develop, they may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), itching, and lightening of stool color

Causes :

Biliary strictures can be caused by:

• Any damage done to the bile duct (after gallbladder removal surgery or the presence of a gallstone in the bile duct)
• Swelling of the bile duct
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Intestinal injuries
• Cancer in the bile duct or pancreas
• What are the symptoms of biliary stricture?
• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• Chills and fever
• Jaundice
• Itching
• Nausea or vomiting
• Gray-colored or pale-colored stool

Diagnosis:

Biliary stricture can be diagnosed through different forms of x-ray that allow doctors to see the structure of the bile duct. In some forms of x-ray, the doctor may inject a dye into the digestive tract in order to easily identify the narrow passage. A doctor may also take a blood test to find a problem in the biliary system.

Treatment:

Biliary stricture can be treated in two ways. One way to treat biliary stricture is with surgery. Surgery can be done to remove the swollen part of the bile duct and then reconnect the healthy bile duct. The second form of treatment can be done by inserting a metal or plastic mesh tube (stent) into the bile duct to keep the narrow passage open. Once biliary strictures are treated, the bile can flow easily through the bile duct.