Biliary Obstruction in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is a biliary obstruction?
The human biliary system is comprised of a series of ducts that help transport bile from the liver to the gallbladder, and then to the small intestine (bowel) to help you digest food within the small bowel. A biliary obstruction is a condition wherein one of these ducts gets blocked and fails to allow the bile to move as needed all throughout your biliary system. Biliary obstruction is often called a bile duct obstruction because one of the most common places where said obstructions occur is in the bile duct between the gallbladder and the liver. You may also experience a biliary stricture, or the narrowing of the bile duct. In these cases, small gallstones can be lodged and cause a blockage. If you are looking for medical care for a biliary obstruction or biliary stricture in Denver, CO, our experts are here to help. Please contact our team of GI doctors at Colorado Gastroenterology to receive additional details regarding this condition and the ways in which it can be treated.
What causes a biliary obstruction?
The most typical culprit of biliary obstructions are hard deposits called gallstones. Gallstones may grow when the level of bilirubin or cholesterol in the bile becomes elevated. These solid deposits can then be carried through the bile ducts and hinder the movement of bile.
Other causes of a bile duct obstruction might include:
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Parasites
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Bile duct inflammation
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Tumors that have spread to the bile ducts
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Common bile duct cyst formation
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Injury from other surgeries
What are some symptoms of a bile duct or biliary obstruction?
Bile duct obstruction in Denver, CO patients is not uncommon and can generally be treated by a GI specialist. Some of the more typical symptoms of biliary obstruction are:
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Vomiting and nausea
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Light or pale-colored stools
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Unexplained weight loss or decreased appetite
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Itching
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Jaundice
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Pain in the stomach
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Night sweats and fever
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Dark urine
If you or a loved one have been experiencing a combination of the above symptoms, contact Colorado Gastroenterology to schedule a visit.
What does it mean if my bile duct is blocked?
In the case of bile duct obstruction, the bile is stopped from playing its role in processing foods. Bile is secreted by the liver to dissolve fats and allow them to be absorbed by the body. It also aids in clearing waste out of the body. In the absence of treatment, a bile duct stone that is causing a blockage could lead to a serious, life-threatening liver disease. It is also important to know the symptoms of a biliary stricture. This includes pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, chills and fever, jaundice, itching, and gray or pale-colored stools. If you or a family member are suffering from the symptoms mentioned and believe you might have a biliary block or stricture, please call our Denver, CO office as soon as possible.
What is the standard treatment for a biliary obstruction?
A large percentage of biliary obstructions can be removed utilizing an endoscope during a procedure referred to as an ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). In severe or extreme situations, surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction and sometimes remove the gallbladder. If the cause of the obstruction is cancer, the ducts will likely need to be stretched and drained. Contact our team at Colorado Gastroenterology to schedule an appointment in our Denver, CO office.
Quality treatment for your health
If you or a loved one are noticing dark urine or pale stools or think you may have a bile duct blockage, contact Colorado Gastroenterology to reserve an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists at your earliest convenience. We proudly provide treatment for bile duct obstruction in Denver, CO and look forward to helping you receive high-quality care for your health.
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Dr Rufner does his best to understand his clients needs and make a plan with their goals in mind. He looks to help to recommend for wellness considerations, not just diagnose the IBD and check in once a year. I have been very satisfied with the care that he has provided for my condition over the past 3+ years. My only wish was that the office staff was a little easier to reach by phone. I have sometimes had to call 2-3 times to get through to a person because they are a really busy office.
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Dr Rufner was super amazing at my first visit. Explained everything and helped figure out my plan of care. He was concerned and answered all my questions!! He’s very very experienced in the GI world. If you get the chance to have his care, you are winning!
I thought the Doctor was very knowledgeable and a delight to talk to. I was referred to other specialist that are going to help manage my health. Very pleased with the staff.
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