Biliary Tract Disorders
Biliary Tract Disorders
- Function
- Anatomy
- Conditions and Disorders
- Care
What is the biliary tract (biliary system)?
The biliary tract, or biliary system, consists of organs and vessels that produce, store, and transport bile, a digestive fluid created by the liver. Bile ducts, small channels, connect the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas to the duodenum, which is the upper part of the small intestine.
Function
What does the biliary tract do?
The biliary tract is crucial for digestion. It delivers bile and pancreatic enzymes to the duodenum, aiding in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Bile also helps in eliminating waste products, which are expelled through the intestines.
Anatomy
Where is the biliary system located?
The biliary system is situated in the upper part of the abdominal cavity. The liver is on the upper right, the gallbladder is beneath the liver near the stomach, the pancreas is located behind the stomach, and the small intestine is positioned below these organs.
What are the parts of the biliary system?
- Liver: Produces bile, filters blood, and processes waste products.
- Bile ducts: Carry bile from the liver to other organs and ultimately to the duodenum.
- Pancreas: Releases enzymes into the pancreatic duct, which joins the common bile duct to deliver the mixture to the duodenum.
- Small intestine: The duodenum extracts bile acids for digestion, and waste passes through the intestines.
Conditions and Disorders
What conditions and disorders can affect the biliary tract?
The biliary tract’s interconnected nature makes it susceptible to disease spread. Common conditions include:
- Gallstones: Can cause pain and inflammation by blocking bile ducts.
- Cholestasis: A condition where bile flow slows or stops.
- Biliary stricture: Scar tissue narrows the bile ducts.
- Liver disease: Can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) and impaired bile production. Other conditions include chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, biliary dyskinesia, primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cholangitis, biliary atresia, bile acid malabsorption, and cancers of the bile duct, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and ampulla.
What are common symptoms of biliary tract diseases?
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bile backup.
- Biliary colic: Pain caused by gallbladder contractions.
- Nausea and vomiting: Often accompany biliary colic and chronic bile issues.
- Fatty stools (steatorrhea): Indicate difficulty absorbing fats. Other symptoms include upper abdominal pain, dark urine, and confusion or cognitive impairment.
How is the health of the biliary tract assessed?
- Blood tests: Assess liver and pancreas enzyme levels and inflammation indicators.
- Imaging tests: Include ultrasounds, CT scans, and specialized imaging like EUS, HIDA scans, MRCP, and ERCP to identify blockages or swelling.
Care
How can you maintain a healthy biliary tract?
- Healthy diet: Focus on whole foods, limit sugar, and saturated fats.
- Moderate drug and alcohol use: To prevent liver damage and gallstones.
- Regular checkups: Help detect diseases early and review medications.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
The biliary tract collaborates with the digestive and circulatory systems. Malfunctions in the biliary system can impact digestion, nutrition, and toxin levels in the body, as well as the health of organs like the liver and pancreas. Keeping the biliary tract healthy is vital for overall well-being.
FAQ?
Causes vary and can include gallstones, infections, tumors, congenital abnormalities, and autoimmune conditions affecting the bile ducts.
Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI), blood tests to assess liver function, and sometimes endoscopic procedures (like ERCP) or biopsy.
Treatments depend on the specific disorder and may include medications, dietary changes, endoscopic procedures to remove stones or dilate strictures, and surgery (such as cholecystectomy or bile duct repair).