What is the Sphincter of Oddi?
The Common Bile Duct drains the Liver and the Gallbladder. It also merges with the pancreatic duct, which drains enzymes needed to absorb proteins. The anatomy is complicated and several possibilities are presented in the linked Meditoons animation help you understand your situation. The Sphincter of Oddi is a valve that released the bile and pancreatic enzymes into the bowel.
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Jaundice: Often the appearance of jaundice, without significant pain or infection is the presenting sign.
What can cause a common duct obstruction?
- Gall Stones
- Cancer
- Strictures
- Inflammation
How is this treated?
We have to know for sure what is causing the blockage: It could be a stone, a stricture, or a cancer. Fortunately, many stones can be removed utilizing a special Procedure called ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholandio-pancreatogram), and a tumor can be ‘stented’ to decompress the bile build up, and treat the jaundice and infection.
The ERCP can biopsy the blockage, decompress the biliary tree, remove any stones. This is a necessary step to plan surgery.