Biliary surgical procedures encompass a range of medical interventions performed in the treatment of disorders or diseases affecting the biliary system. The biliary system refers to the network of ducts, gallbladder, and associated organs involved in the production, storage, and transportation of bile, a substance vital for digestion.
These surgical procedures are employed to address a multitude of conditions, including gallstones, bile duct strictures or obstructions, tumors or malignancies, and other biliary tract disorders. One common example, cholecystectomy, involves the complete removal of the gallbladder, commonly due to the presence of gallstones or inflammation.
Various techniques and approaches are utilized in biliary surgical procedures, ranging from open surgery to minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted approaches. Minimally invasive techniques involve smaller incisions, which result in reduced pain, scarring, and a quicker recovery time.
Additional procedures within the realm of biliary surgery include bile duct explorations, bile duct repairs, liver resections, and biliary reconstructions. These interventions may involve the use of stents, which are small tubes placed in the bile ducts to maintain their patency and facilitate the flow of bile.
Biliary surgical procedures are performed by skilled surgeons, often in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team that may include gastroenterologists, radiologists, and anesthesiologists. These procedures aim to restore or improve the function of the biliary system, alleviate symptoms, and potentially prevent further complications associated with biliary tract disorders.
