Bile is a liquid which is released by the liver. It contains bile salts, cholesterol, and waste products like bilirubin. Bile salts help the body digest fats. Bile juice passes out of the liver through the tubes known as bile ducts and gets stored in the gallbladder. After you have your meal, it is released into the small intestine.
Bile duct resection is a surgical procedure which removes the gall bladder and bile duct outside the liver. Depending on the reason you are undergoing this surgery, you may have this procedure and liver resection surgery or pancreas resection surgery.
Your surgeon will assess your health to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. The doctor may recommend some tests to analyse your health condition before proceeding to surgery. Before the procedure, your surgeon will explain what to expect before, during, and after surgery, including potential complications and risks. They will also explain to you how your quality of life can be affected after the surgery. Talk to your doctor about the apprehensions you have regarding your surgery and various other treatment options. Discuss with your family or friends about your hospital stay and any help you may need after being discharged. You will certainly need someone's support for the initial days after the surgery.
Before the surgery, you may be recommended to go for some blood tests, medical evaluation, and other tests, depending on your age and medical condition. Follow the instructions carefully in terms of eating habits and medicine given by the doctor. Medicines anti-inflammatory medications (arthritis medications), blood thinners, etc., may need to be temporarily stopped for several days before the surgery. Continue taking regular medicines after consulting with your doctor. You may be suggested to quit smoking and stop consuming alcohol as it may affect you during or after the surgery. If you are facing a problem quitting these, please seek help from the doctors. Follow a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly. You may be advised to stop consuming anything after midnight. On the day of the surgery, your surgeon will prepare you for surgery and answer all your queries. Once your questions are answered, you will sign a consent form. After this, you will be shifted to the hospital room and asked to wear a hospital gown. Keep yourself calm and be ready for the surgery.
Bile duct resection is done either as open or laproscopic surgery. Once you are moved to the operation theatre, anesthesia will be given. Surgery can be performed in two ways:
Post-surgery, you will be shifted to the observation room and will be under monitoring. Once your pulse, blood pressure, and breathing are stable, and you are awake and alert, you will be shifted to the hospital room. Your hospital stay may vary from 1-4 days, depending on your health condition. Once you are stable and moving around fine, your doctor will discharge you with some specific instructions regarding medicines, activities, and precautions.
Most of the people, after discharge from the hospital, can return directly home to continue recovery. It is recommended to have frequent follow-ups with the doctor. Discuss your concerns with the doctor, and he will guide you accordingly. You may eat what you are eating unless the doctor suggests a fixed diet plan. Prefer eating small and frequent meals. Initially for a few days, you may feel tired but indulge in some form of physical activities and be regular. Avoid lifting heavy objects. Avoid driving till the time you are on pain medications as they can make you dizzy.
Every surgery has some kind of risk associated with it. With bile duct resection, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, or bile leaking. Though, these problems rarely happen.
Consult your doctor if you experience any of the below-mentioned issues: