CBD & Gall Bladder Surgery

The biliary tract comprises the common bile duct (CBD) and gallbladder, which act to transport bile between the liver and gallbladder to aid in digestion, according to the Cleveland Clinic. There are five common procedures done on this area, usually involving minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal

The gallbladder itself may need to be removed (cholecystectomy) if gallstones or benign tumors known as polyps are present in the gallbladder, according to the University of Southern California.

CBD Exploration

In this procedure, small gallstones that have traveled into the CBD are removed to prevent obstructions of the duct, which can lead to jaundice and inflammation of the pancreas and, possibly, result in cholecystectomy.

Bile Duct Bypass

If the CBD isn't wide enough because of benign or cancerous conditions, bile can't pass into the intestine. In such cases, a bypass of the CBD may be done, so that bile can travel from the gallbladder to the intestine.

Choledocal Cyst Removal

These cysts can block the flow of bile as well, and are often removed. The CBD is sutured to the intestine so that flow may resume as normal.

Removal of the Bile Duct

In patients with ampullary tumors (which project into the small intestine, where the CBD delivers bile), parts of the CBD, gallbladder, small intestine and pancreas may need to be removed. This is also known as a Whipple operation.

References

• Cleveland Clinic: Bile Duct Exploration:
• University of Southern California Department of Surgery: Laparoscopic Bile Duct Surgery

Resources

• SAGES Patient Information