Bile Duct Leaks
A bile duct leak occurs when bile escapes from the biliary system, often after gallbladder surgery, liver surgery or injury. Bile can irritate surrounding tissues and form a collection.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, fever, nausea, abdominal swelling or bile-coloured fluid in a surgical drain. Symptoms vary with the amount and location of the leak.
How interventional radiology treats it
Image-guided drainage may remove a collection of bile. In selected cases, a catheter can be placed through the liver into the bile ducts to divert bile and allow the leak to heal. Endoscopic treatment may also be appropriate. Follow-up depends on the leak's cause and severity.
Whether this treatment suits you depends on your scans and overall health. A consultation is the first step.
Your doctors
Talk to an interventional radiologist.
Bring any scans or reports you have. We’ll tell you whether this treatment is an option.