The bile duct system and gallbladder (collectively known as the biliary tree) are involved in the drainage and delivery of bile from the liver into the intestine. Bile production is one of the most vital functions of the liver and it is necessary for the appropriate absorption of nutrients from the intestine. Disorders of the biliary tree can alter this function. The gallbladder is located underneath the liver and the bile duct extends from inside the liver into the duodenum (initial portion of the small intestine just past the stomach). The bile duct has an extrahepatic portion (outside the liver) and intrapancreatic portion (within the pancreas).
The most common disorder of the biliary tree is cholelithiasis or gallstones. Gallstones are usually located in the gallbladder and, if symptomatic, can be removed laparoscopically (without open surgery) along with the gallbladder. There is a 1 to 2 day hospital stay after this operation and full recuperation time is about two weeks. The presence of gallstones can be complicated by acute pancreatitis (see pancreatic surgery).
The biliary tree can be a site for the growth of malignant tumors. In this case the removal of a portion of bile duct may be necessary. Depending on tumor location, complete removal of the tumor may also involve concomitant resection of the liver (see liver surgery) or pancreas (see pancreatic surgery).
Certain diseases of the biliary tree (i.e. primary sclerosing cholangitis) may also injure the liver and progress to end-stage liver disease. In such cases liver transplantation may be the only option (see liver transplantation).
Operations on the biliary tree can be done very safely and usually without blood transfusion (see bloodless surgery). If major resections of liver or pancreas are involved, the operative time is about 3-6 hours. The hospital stay is about 7 days and full recuperation time is about 6 weeks. Under most circumstances, excellent outcomes are usually achieved.
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