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Blocked bile duct
Bile duct obstructions and strictures are blockages in the bile ducts. HCA UK's specialists explain how these are treated.
About a blocked bile duct
The bile ducts form part of the digestive system. They carry bile, a substance that digests fat, from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.
Strictures occur when there is a narrowing of the bile ducts, causing a blockage. They are generally found in the main bile duct and may lead to jaundice (yellowing skin).
Need to know
The main treatment for bile duct strictures is an endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatogram (ERCP). During an ERCP, a tiny camera on the end of a narrow, flexible tube (an endoscope) is passed through the mouth and into the small intestine to see the bile ducts. Images are fed back to a computer for a consultant to analyse. A short metal or plastic tube (stent) is then put in place to open the narrow bile ducts.
We make sure you’re fully informed of what to expect before and after surgery, with specialist nurses to support you during recovery.
You’ll be given a local anaesthetic to help you feel drowsy and relaxed during the procedure, but it won’t put you to sleep. You may also be given an oral antibiotic about an hour before.
You’ll need to avoid eating or drinking for six hours before the procedure so that your consultant can see clear images through the camera.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you might have.
The procedure is relatively straightforward and usually takes around 30-40 minutes. You will generally be able to go home on the same day.
Afterwards, you may have some discomfort in the abdomen (tummy) and some people also experience a sore throat. This should only last for a few days and simple pain killers, such as paracetamol, should help.
Our Blocked bile duct locations
41 Welbeck Street
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.