• Cirrhosis
• Viral Hepatitis
• Portal Hypertension
• Liver Tumors
• Endocrine Tumors
• Liver Transplant
• Mediastinal Lesions/Masses
• Bile Duct Cancer
• Bile Duct Disorders (Noncancerous)
• Gallstones
• Obstructive Jaundice
• Ampullary Lesions and Cancers

Examples of bile duct disorders include:

• Cholangitis (infection of the bile duct)
• Bile duct leaks, which can occur after certain surgeries and cause infection
• Biliary stricture (an abnormal narrowing of the bile duct)
• Biliary stones (choledocholithiasis, the presence of a gallstone in the common bile duct)
• Biliary changes after liver transplant (such as bile leaks or narrowing)

What symptoms are associated with these conditions?

Disruption of bile duct function can cause a variety of symptoms, including jaundice, nausea and vomiting, itchy skin, and pain.

How are they diagnosed?

The following diagnostic tests may be performed by our Advanced Interventional Endoscopy Team to diagnose blockages and other disorders of the bile ducts:

• Imaging tests such as CT scanning and magnetic resonance imaging
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• Probe-based confocal endomicroscopy to assess narrowing
• Narrow band imaging of the bile duct to assess the bile duct mucosa

For more about these procedures, visit the Advanced Interventional Endoscopy page.

What treatments are available?

The treatment of bile duct strictures, obstructions, and leaks can often be achieved by performing ERCP to insert a stent within the blocked or narrowed area. Our interventional endoscopists use ERCP or EUS-guided ERCP to insert these stents to re-open the blocked area, restore function, and relieve symptoms.

Biliary stones may be treated with ERCP and sphincterotomy (an endoscopic cut from the inside into the muscle in the common bile duct). Our interventional endoscopists also employ "laser lithotripsy" or mechanical lithotripsy to destroy biliary stones using a minimally invasive approach, preventing large open surgery.

Patients with altered anatomy (those who had gastric bypass, a transplant, or the Whipple procedure) might undergo single-balloon ERCP to assess and treat their disease.

How can I make an appointment to see an advanced endoscopist?

Our specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating bile duct disorders. An interdisciplinary team of gastrointestinal specialists in endoscopy, radiology, and surgery work together as a team to provide each patient with coordinated, advanced, and individualized care. Please contact our Advanced Interventional Endoscopy team to discuss your case.