Bile ducts connect the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and small intestines, delivering bile to the small intestines for the digestion of fats. When a bile duct becomes blocked, it can result in bile backing up into the liver, causing jaundice and other health complications. A common bile duct exploration is a procedure used to find and remove blockages in the bile duct tubes. Danny Shouhed, M.D. is a board-certified gastrointestinal surgeon who offers minimally-invasive bile duct exploration for gallstone treatment through his practice in Los Angeles.
A common bile duct exploration can be performed using laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Danny Shouhed specializes in minimally-invasive gastrointestinal procedures, including gallbladder surgery and bile duct exploration. If it is suspected that a bile duct is blocked due to symptoms such as jaundice, itching, dark urine, light stools or abdominal pain, exploratory surgery may be required for diagnosis and treatment.
Common bile duct exploration is used to search for blockages and fix any blockages if they are found. Small incisions are used to access the abdominal area near the gallbladder, liver and bile duct. A small incision is also made in the bile duct to insert a camera inside to find any blockages. If there are gallstones or other obstructions, they are removed to allow bile to flow through the duct from the liver to the small intestine.
Common bile duct exploration is often completed with a cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal surgery. The bile ducts are cleaned out to ensure they are working properly and that any gallstones are removed.
If you have gallstones that are causing bile duct blockages, a common bile duct exploration and cholecystectomy may be recommended. To learn more about these procedures, contact our office in Los Angeles. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Shouhed to discuss gallstone treatment options.
.svg){kind=small}
.avif)
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}