Biliary Diseases

What are Biliary Diseases?

Biliary diseases refer to conditions that affect the bile ducts, gallbladder, and the bile system — the network that helps transport bile from the liver to the small intestine. Bile is a digestive fluid that plays an important role in breaking down fats and removing waste from the body. When any part of this system becomes blocked, infected, or inflamed, it can lead to serious digestive and metabolic issues.

Common biliary diseases include gallstones (cholelithiasis), cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), biliary obstruction, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma).

Are Biliary Diseases common?

Yes. Gallstones are among the most common biliary conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. While many people with gallstones have no symptoms, others may develop severe pain or may also result from benign strictures or post-surgical scarring. Other biliary diseases are less common but can cause significant complications if untreated.

Can Biliary Diseases be cured?

Many biliary conditions can be treated successfully, especially when detected early. Gallstones, for example, can often be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, or minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic surgery. Chronic conditions, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, may not be curable but can be controlled with proper medical care and monitoring to prevent complications.

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