Biliary Strictures
Restoring Flow, Restoring Health
Understanding Biliary Strictures
Biliary strictures refer to the abnormal narrowing of the bile ducts, the tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine. When these ducts become narrowed or blocked, bile cannot flow properly, leading to symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or infections like cholangitis. The condition may result from previous surgeries, trauma, gallstones, or cancers in the hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) system.
In simpler words, biliary strictures are like “roadblocks” in the bile ducts that disturb the natural flow of bile, causing health issues if left untreated.
- Can develop after surgery, trauma, gallstones, or cancer.
- Leads to poor bile drainage, infections, and liver damage if untreated.
When Should You Seek A Specialist
Symptoms Of Biliary Strictures
Unexplained Abdominal
pain
Ongoing discomfort or pain in the right upper abdomen.
Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
Yellowing of the skin and eyes that does not resolve quickly.
Unexplained Weight
loss
When coupled with other symptoms, it may point toward a more serious underlying cause.
Recurrent fever and
chills
Especially when associated with cholangitis or bile duct infection.
dark urine and pale
stools
Dark urine and pale stools indicates bile flow obstruction.
previous bile duct
surgery
Patients with a history of liver, gallbladder, or bile duct surgery may develop strictures later.
Common Causes of Biliary Strictures
Biliary strictures may develop for several reasons. The most common ones include:
Post surgical injury
Narrowing often occurs after gallbladder or liver surgery due to inadvertent damage to bile ducts.
Inflammation or infection
Repeated episodes of cholangitis or pancreatitis can cause duct narrowing.
Gallstones
Stones may block or injure the bile ducts, leading to scarring and stricture formation.
Cancer related
Tumors of the pancreas, gallbladder, or bile ducts can compress or infiltrate the ducts.
Radiation therapy
Previous abdominal or liver-area radiation may lead to bile duct scarring.
How We Diagnose?
Liver function tests help identify bile flow obstruction and inflammation.
These imaging methods detect blockages, strictures, and dilated bile ducts.
Provides a detailed non-invasive view of bile ducts.
Both diagnostic and therapeutic, used to visualize and sometimes treat the stricture.
Personalized treatments backed by expertise.
Treatment Options
Endoscopic stenting
Placement of stents through ERCP to open narrowed ducts and restore bile flow.
Balloon dilatation
Stretching the narrowed duct with a balloon to allow proper drainage.
Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy
A reconstructive surgery that creates a new connection between the bile duct and small intestine, often performed for complex or recurrent strictures.
Cancer-related management
If strictures are caused by cancer, we integrate surgical resection or Whipple’s surgery when suitable.
Why Trust Us for Biliary Strictures Treatment?
Combined expertise of two leading liver surgeons
Dr. Vikas Patel has been part of more than 600 liver transplants, while Dr. Dharmendra Dangi has been part of over 500 liver transplants and performed 500+ complex liver and HPB surgeries. Together, they bring unmatched skill to even the toughest cases.
Experience with high-risk and pediatric cases
From critically ill adults to children needing delicate surgery, our team has successfully managed some of the most challenging and rare liver conditions. Both doctors are trained to manage challenging cases, including liver failure in children, elderly patients, and blood group mismatches.
Proven results using advanced techniques
We use the latest surgical and medical methods including minimally invasive procedures to ensure safer operations, faster recovery, and long-term success. Dr. Dangi is one of the few surgeons in India performing midline donor hepatectomy, a safer way to remove part of the liver from a living donor.
Nationally recognized for excellence
Our surgeons are trusted across India for their leadership in liver surgery. Their work has been featured in medical journals, presented at national conferences, and acknowledged in health magazines such as Silicon India (Top 10 Liver Transplant Surgeons, 2025).
OUR APPROACH
Accurate Diagnosis
using advanced imaging and testing
Personalized Treatment Plans
based on your stage and condition
Complete Pre & Post Transplant Support
when surgery is needed
A Multidisciplinary Team
Both surgeons jointly plan and perform procedures to ensure the best outcomes.
FAQ
Common Questions We Hear From Patients
Your concerns are valid. Here are expert answers to help you make confident decisions about your liver health.
No, strictures rarely resolve without medical intervention. They typically require endoscopic or surgical procedures to restore bile flow.
Not always. While strictures can result from cancers of the pancreas, gallbladder, or bile ducts, they are often due to post-surgical injuries, gallstones, or inflammation.
If untreated, strictures can lead to recurrent infections, cholangitis, severe jaundice, and progressive liver damage. In advanced cases, they may cause life-threatening complications.
The choice depends on the cause, site, and severity of the stricture. Endoscopic procedures are preferred for simpler strictures, while surgery is chosen for complex or recurrent cases.
In rare, severe cases where strictures lead to irreversible liver damage, liver transplantation may be considered.
Most patients recover within 4–6 weeks after major surgery, though full healing and return to normal activities may take longer depending on the complexity.
While lifestyle changes cannot cure strictures, avoiding fatty foods, maintaining hydration, and managing underlying conditions like gallstones or hepatitis can support better outcomes.
Take the First step to a
Early diagnosis saves lives
At our center, we understand how challenging biliary strictures can be and the anxiety they bring. With advanced diagnostic tools and a full range of treatment options, we aim to restore your health and peace of mind.
Talk to Ahmedabad’s Trusted Liver Experts
At our liver transplant and HPB surgery care center, Dr. Vikas Patel and Dr. Dharmendra Dangi, bring years of expertise in liver and HPB surgeries, ensuring safe and effective care for every patient. You don’t have to face this journey alone. Help is just a consultation away.