The gallbladder, a small organ attached to the liver, stores bile produced by the liver. The Phrygian cap, a part of the gallbladder, is a small outpouching with unclear function. It is commonly identified during imaging examinations of the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Unveiling the Gallbladder: Your Silent Superhero
Imagine your gallbladder as the secret agent of your digestive system, quietly working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth flow of goodness. This pear-shaped sac, nestled just beneath your liver, might seem humble, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your bile game strong.
Bile, a golden elixir, is produced by your liver and stored in the gallbladder. When you take a bite of that delicious buttered toast, your gallbladder springs into action, releasing bile into the small intestine. Bile is like the magic potion that breaks down fats, ensuring they can be easily absorbed and provide you with life-giving energy.
Your gallbladder is a dedicated partner to your liver, but they’re not twins. While your liver is the master of bile production, your gallbladder is the master of storage, keeping a reserve of bile ready to deploy when needed.
So there you have it, the unsung hero of digestion, your gallbladder. It may not be the flashiest organ, but it’s essential for breaking down fats and keeping your digestive system running like a well-oiled machine.
Understanding the Gallbladder, Liver, and Bile Duct
Meet Your Gallbladder: The Silent Hero
Your gallbladder is like a tiny storage tank, tucked away under your liver. It’s responsible for holding bile, a green-yellow fluid that helps you digest fats. When you eat something greasy, your gallbladder releases bile into your small intestine, breaking down the fat into smaller, more manageable pieces. It’s like having a secret weapon in your digestion army!
The Liver: The Bile Factory
The liver is the mastermind behind bile production. It’s a remarkable organ that filters out toxins, metabolizes nutrients, and, of course, produces bile. Bile is basically a waste product from the liver’s detoxification process, but it’s a golden ticket for fat digestion.
The Bile Duct: The Delivery Guy
Once the liver has created this magical elixir, it needs a way to get it to the small intestine. That’s where the bile duct comes in. The bile duct is like a slippery slide for bile, transporting it from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the small intestine.
So, there you have it: the team effort of the gallbladder, liver, and bile duct, ensuring that your digestive system runs like a well-oiled machine. Now, let’s dive into the common issues that can affect this trio and their trusty sidekick, bile.
Understanding the Gallbladder and Bile Duct
Hey there, bile buddies! Time to dive into the amazing world of the gallbladder, liver, and bile duct. They’re the unsung heroes of digestion, working together to make sure we can break down those delicious meals we devour.
The Liver’s Bile Bonanza!
The liver, the powerhouse of our body, takes center stage in the bile production party. It’s the kitchen where bile, a green-ish liquid, is whipped up. Bile is the secret sauce that helps emulsify (fancy word for breaking down) fats in our food.
The Gallbladder’s Storage and Release
The gallbladder is the bile’s private storage facility. It hangs out under the liver, keeping a reserve of bile ready to roll when needed. When we chow down on a fatty meal, the gallbladder gets the signal and sends its precious cargo down to the party.
Bile’s Journey through the Duct
Now here’s where it gets exciting. The bile duct is the highway that transports bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. It’s a one-way street, ensuring bile flows in the right direction to do its fat-busting job.
So, let’s recap the bile’s epic journey:
- Production Palace: Liver creates bile.
- Storage Depot: Gallbladder stores the bile.
- Highway to Digestion: Bile duct delivers bile to the small intestine.
Next up, we’ll uncover the common culprits that can disrupt the harmony in this biliary system, causing those pesky gallbladder issues. Stay tuned, folks!
Debunking the Mystery of Gallstones: Formation, Symptoms, and Complications
Hey there, fellow belly dwellers! Let’s dive into the enigmatic world of gallstones, the tiny but mighty pebbles that can cause a rollercoaster of discomfort in our digestive system.
Formation: The Birth of Gallbladder Babies
Gallstones, my friends, are hardened deposits of cholesterol, bile pigments, and other substances that form in the gallbladder, a small organ that hangs out under your liver. They can range in size from tiny sand-like grains to golf balls (yikes!). The gallbladder’s job is to store bile, a greenish-yellow fluid that helps break down fats. If the bile becomes too concentrated or contains too much cholesterol, it can crystallize and form these pesky stones.
Symptoms: When Your Gallbladder Starts Talking
Most gallstones like to mind their own business, but some can cause a chorus of symptoms. You might experience:
- Sudden, sharp pain in the upper right abdomen
- Pain that spreads to the back or right shoulder blade
- Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion
- Fever and chills
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
Complications: When Gallstones Get Serious
If gallstones decide to go rogue, they can lead to some nasty complications. They can:
- Block the bile duct, causing jaundice
- Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Gallbladder perforation (a hole in the gallbladder)
Diagnosis and Treatment: Taming the Gallstone Troublemakers
To diagnose gallstones, your friendly doctor might use:
- Ultrasound: A painless test that uses sound waves to create images of your gallbladder and bile ducts.
- CT scan: A fancy X-ray that gives a more detailed view.
- MRI: A high-tech imaging test that uses magnets and radio waves.
Treatment options for gallstones vary depending on their size, number, and symptoms. You might need:
- Cholecystectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder.
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A less invasive surgery done through small incisions.
- ERCP: A procedure to clear blockages in the bile ducts.
So, there you have it, the ins and outs of gallstones. Remember, if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms described above, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Gallstones can be a pain, but with prompt diagnosis and treatment, you can get your gallbladder back on track and avoid any serious complications. Stay healthy, friends!
Cholecystitis: When Your Gallbladder Gets a Little Too Hot
Picture this: your gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ tucked under your liver, is having a meltdown like a hormonal teenager. It’s all inflamed and irritated, causing some serious discomfort. This, my friends, is called cholecystitis.
How Does this Gallbladder Meltdown Happen?
Well, it’s often caused by the same pesky culprits that lead to gallstones—those hard, crystal-like deposits that can form in your gallbladder. These little buggers can block the duct that allows bile (a digestive fluid produced by your liver) to flow out of your gallbladder and into your intestines. When that happens, bile gets trapped in your gallbladder, like a traffic jam in your digestive system. And just like a traffic jam, it can cause a whole lot of chaos!
Symptoms of a Gallbladder Meltdown
- Pain party in your tummy: It usually starts in the upper right belly and can radiate to your back or under your right shoulder blade. It might feel like a dull, aching discomfort or a stabbing, sharp pain.
- Say goodbye to your appetite: Cholecystitis can make you feel nauseous, like you just rode a roller coaster upside down.
- Fever and chills: Your body might go into defense mode, trying to fight off the inflammation.
Treatment Options for a Gallbladder Meltdown
- Cholecystectomy: The most common treatment is removing your gallbladder. It’s like giving your gallbladder a permanent vacation!
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: This is a minimally invasive surgery where the surgeon makes small incisions and uses a tiny camera to remove your gallbladder. Like laparoscopic surgery but with a gallbladder twist!
- Open cholecystectomy: This is the traditional method where the surgeon makes a larger incision to remove your gallbladder. Think of it as the old-school way of gallbladder removal.
Prevention Tips
- Keep a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of gallstones.
- Chow down on fiber: It helps keep your digestive system moving smoothly.
- Eat like a Mediterranean goddess: A diet rich in fruits, veggies, and fish can lower your risk of gallstones.
- Limit your sugar intake: Sugar can make your triglycerides (a type of fat) go up, which can lead to gallstones.
Non-Cancerous Growths: Polyps in the Gallbladder and Bile Duct
Meet polyps, the mischievous little bumps that love to crash parties in your gallbladder and bile duct! While they’re not the villainous kind, they can still stir up some trouble.
Polyps are like uninvited guests who show up uninvited, settling in your organs and causing all sorts of commotion. They come in various shapes and sizes and are usually not cancerous, but they sure can be a pain in the… gall!
When these playful polyps decide to settle in your gallbladder, they can become like annoying housemates, blocking the flow of bile, the liquid that helps digest fats. And when bile starts getting all clogged up, you may experience unpleasant symptoms, such as tummy troubles, nausea, and even pain in your right upper abdomen.
But don’t fret! There are ways to get rid of these pesky intruders. Surgery can often remove them, giving your gallbladder and bile duct the space they need to breathe (and digest) freely. And if the polyps are small enough, they might even be treatable with medication.
So, if you’re having any symptoms that may hint at gallbladder or bile duct issues, don’t hesitate to drop by a medical professional. Early detection is key!
Gallbladder, Liver, and Bile Duct: An Inside Look
Understanding the Gallbladder, Liver, and Bile Duct
Like the three amigos of your digestive system, the gallbladder, liver, and bile duct work together to keep your digestion running smoothly. The gallbladder is the storage tank for bile, a fluid made by the liver that helps break down fats. The liver is the boss, producing bile and filtering toxins from your blood. And the bile duct is the highway that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
Common Diseases and Conditions
Unfortunately, these three amigos can sometimes hit a few bumps in the road.
- Gallstones: Imagine tiny pebbles forming in your gallbladder. That’s gallstones, and they can block the bile duct, causing some nasty pain and bloating.
- Cholecystitis: When the gallbladder gets inflamed, it’s like a party that got out of hand. The pain can be so intense, you might think you’re being bitten by a fire-breathing dragon.
- Polyps: These are non-cancerous growths in the gallbladder or bile duct. They’re like little bumps on your internal plumbing.
- Cancer: This is the big bad wolf of gallbladder diseases. It can be tough to spot early on, but knowing the risk factors and symptoms can help.
Cancer: Types, Risk Factors, and Symptoms
- Types: There are three main types of gallbladder cancer: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenosquamous carcinoma.
- Risk Factors: Grab your magnifying glass because these factors can put you at risk: obesity, age over 65, gallstones, and a history of liver disease.
- Symptoms: If you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), it’s time to raise the alarm.
Remember, early detection is key. So, don’t be shy about talking to your doctor if you’re worried about your gallbladder, liver, or bile duct. They’re the specialists in keeping these digestive amigos in tip-top shape!
Meet the Gallbladder, Liver, and Bile Duct: The Trio Behind Bile Production and Digestion
Imagine a hardworking team of three – the gallbladder, liver, and bile duct – working together to keep your digestive system running smoothly. The gallbladder is like a tiny storage unit, holding the bile produced by the liver until it’s needed. The liver, the powerhouse of the team, produces and releases this magic elixir called bile, which helps break down fats in your food. And the bile duct? It’s the highway that delivers bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
Ultrasonography: Picture Perfect with Sound Waves
When it comes to peeking into the world of your gallbladder, ultrasonography is your go-to detective. This technique uses sound waves to create a real-time image of your gallbladder, revealing any hidden issues like gallstones, inflammation, or polyps. It’s like a stealthy submarine, navigating through your body without causing any pain or discomfort.
Ultrasonography is a rockstar for diagnosing gallstones. These pesky little pebbles can form in your gallbladder when bile gets supersaturated with cholesterol and other components. The result? A painful experience that can make you wish you had a magic wand to make them disappear. But fear not, ultrasonography will pinpoint these culprits and help your doctor decide on the best plan of action.
Computed Tomography (CT): Unveiling the Gallbladder’s Secrets with Detailed X-Ray Imaging
Okay, picture this: you’ve been having some tummy troubles, and your doc suspects it’s coming from your gallbladder. Time for a CT scan, the secret weapon in the battle against gallbladder mysteries.
Think of a CT scan as a super-powered X-ray machine. It shoots X-rays from multiple angles, creating detailed images that doctors can use to see your gallbladder in all its glory. It’s like giving your gallbladder a full-body scan!
These scans can show your gallbladder’s size, shape, and location, so your doc can spot gallstones, growths, or any other troublemakers. They’re also great for checking out the bile ducts, the tiny tubes that carry bile from your liver to your gallbladder.
So, next time you’re facing gallbladder issues, don’t fret. Just remember, CT scans are your trusty partners, here to shed light on the mysteries of your gallbladder and help you get back to feeling tip-top.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Advanced imaging using magnetic fields
The Magic of MRI: Unlocking the Secrets of Your Gallbladder
Picture this: you’ve got a mischievous little organ called the gallbladder, a trusty liver that’s a bile-producing factory, and a bile duct that’s like a tiny highway. Sometimes, things can go awry in this gallbladder gang, and that’s when you might need a very special tool—the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.
What’s an MRI?
Think of an MRI as a superpower scanner that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create a detailed map of your body’s insides. It’s like a secret agent with x-ray vision, but way cooler because it doesn’t involve any radiation.
How Does an MRI Help with Gallbladder Issues?
MRIs can give doctors a crystal-clear view of your gallbladder and its buddies. It can spot things like gallstones, those annoying little rocks that can cause pain, inflammation, and even make you wish you’d never eaten that second helping of bacon. MRIs can also detect polyps, which are non-cancerous growths that can hang out in your gallbladder or bile duct. And if you’re unlucky enough to get cancer in this area, an MRI can provide valuable information about the type and spread of the disease.
Getting an MRI
Okay, so you’re curious about getting an MRI. Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll lie down on a table that slides into a giant, doughnut-shaped machine.
- The machine will make loud noises, so they’ll give you headphones to block out the racket.
- The MRI will take some time, so try to relax and think of happy thoughts (or count sheep, if that’s your thing).
Benefits of an MRI
Compared to other imaging techniques, MRIs are super-duper safe and don’t involve any radiation exposure. They also provide incredibly detailed images, so doctors can see even the tiniest details of your gallbladder and surrounding areas.
So, there you have it—the amazing world of MRI!
Next time your gallbladder acts up, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if an MRI is the right move. It could be the key to unlocking the secrets of your mischievous little organ and getting you back to your old, healthy self.
Cholangiopancreatography: Imaging of the bile ducts using X-rays and contrast dye
Cholangiopancreatography: Illuminating the Bile Ducts
Imagine your gallbladder and bile ducts as a secret society, holding a mysterious and vital fluid called bile. But when things go awry, you need a skilled detective to unravel the secrets and restore order. That’s where cholangiopancreatography steps in, like a high-tech flashlight, shining a light into the hidden depths of your bile system.
What’s in a Name?
Cholangiopancreatography, simply put, is an imaging technique that gives us a crystal-clear picture of your bile ducts and pancreas. It’s like a guided tour through the secret passageways where bile flows freely.
How Does It Work?
Prepare for a tiny adventure! Cholangiopancreatography involves inserting a thin tube, called an endoscope, through your mouth or nose and down into your digestive tract. On the end of this magical tube is a camera, ready to capture the inner workings of your bile ducts.
But wait, there’s more! The pièce de résistance is a special dye, injected into your bile ducts, that makes them pop on the screen like neon signs. This contrast dye is like a highlighter for your bile ducts, making them stand out against the surrounding tissue.
Unveiling the Secrets
With cholangiopancreatography as our guide, we can uncover hidden truths:
- Stones and Blockages: Are there sneaky gallstones lurking in your bile ducts, causing pain and discomfort? This technique will reveal them, paving the way for a swift removal.
- Inflammation and Infections: Has your gallbladder fallen victim to an angry inflammation or a sneaky infection? Cholangiopancreatography will expose their presence, so we can get you the relief you need.
- Tumors and Cysts: Like a medical spy, this imaging technique can detect suspicious growths and cysts in your precious bile ducts. Early detection means better chances for successful treatment.
The Final Frontier
Cholangiopancreatography is more than just a diagnostic tool; it’s a lifeline that helps us navigate the complexities of your gallbladder and bile ducts. Armed with this knowledge, we can make informed decisions about the best treatment plan to restore your digestive harmony. So, embrace the adventure and let cholangiopancreatography be your guide to a healthier, bile-filled future!
Understanding Your Gallbladder: Gallstones, Cholecystitis, and the Surgical Fix—Cholecystectomy
Hey there, readers! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of your gallbladder, liver, and bile duct—a trio that’s essential for keeping your digestive system running smoothly.
Anatomy and Function: Your Gallbladder Team
Your gallbladder is like a cozy little storage unit that holds bile, a greenish-yellow fluid that helps break down fats in your food. The liver produces bile, and the bile duct is the highway that carries it from the liver to your intestines.
Common Gallbladder Woes: Meet the Unwanted Guests
Gallstones: These hard, cholesterol-filled crystals can form in your gallbladder, causing excruciating pain and inflammation.
Cholecystitis: When inflammation strikes your gallbladder, it’s cholecystitis time. Think of it as your gallbladder throwing a temper tantrum.
Polyps: These non-cancerous growths can pop up in your gallbladder or bile duct, sometimes causing trouble but often just hanging out.
Cancer: The thought can be scary, but gallbladder cancer is rare. However, it’s important to be aware of the signs and risks.
Diagnosing Gallbladder Issues: Time for Some High-Tech Help
Ultrasonography: This uses sound waves to create images of your gallbladder, showing us any gallstones or other abnormalities.
CT Scan: Like a superhero X-ray, this shows us detailed images of your gallbladder and surrounding organs.
MRI: Using magnetic fields, this gives us even more precise pictures, helping us spot any sneaky problems.
ERCP: A procedure where we use X-rays and contrast dye to get a clearer look at your bile ducts.
Cholecystectomy: The Surgical Solution
When your gallbladder’s causing you constant pain and trouble, it’s time for a surgical intervention: cholecystectomy. This is where the skilled surgeons step in to remove your gallbladder, giving it a well-deserved break.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: The minimally invasive option, using tiny incisions and a camera-guided tool to remove your gallbladder.
Open Cholecystectomy: The traditional approach with a larger incision, but still effective when the laparoscopic method isn’t suitable.
Remember, these procedures are common and generally safe, so don’t let fear stop you from seeking the relief you deserve!
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Minimally invasive surgery through small incisions
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: The Keyhole Surgery for Gallbladder Woes
Ever had a friend who complained about a stubborn pain in their right upper belly? Well, chances are they might have been facing a pesky gallbladder issue! This small, pear-shaped organ is tucked away just under your liver, and it plays a crucial role in storing and releasing bile, a greenish fluid that helps break down fats. But sometimes, things can go awry, leading to a condition called cholecystitis, where your gallbladder becomes inflamed. And when that happens, it’s time to call in the cavalry: laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
This minimally invasive surgery is like the secret Jedi technique of gallbladder removal. Instead of making a big, unsightly incision, the surgeon makes a few small keyholes in your abdomen. Through these tiny portals, they insert a camera and surgical tools to remove your gallbladder. It’s like solving a puzzle without tearing it apart!
The benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy are out of this world. The incisions are so small that they heal much faster than with open surgery, and you’ll be back on your feet in no time. Plus, it’s done under general anesthesia, so you’ll be floating in a dreamland while the surgeon takes care of the “housekeeping.”
How to Know if You Need a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
The first step is to visit your doctor, who will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. If they suspect cholecystitis, they’ll order an ultrasound or other imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. Once it’s clear that your gallbladder is the culprit, your doctor will recommend the best course of action, which in most cases is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
What to Expect During Surgery
Before surgery, your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare, including fasting for a certain period of time. On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive at the hospital, where the surgical team will welcome you with a smile. You’ll then be wheeled into the operating room, and the adventure begins!
After you’re safely asleep, the surgeon will make the small incisions and insert the instruments. Using the camera as their guide, they’ll carefully separate your gallbladder from the surrounding tissues and blood vessels. Then, they’ll gently remove it and stitch up the incisions.
Recovery Time and Post-Surgery Care
Most patients stay in the hospital for a day or two after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During this time, you’ll be monitored for any complications and given pain medication if needed. Once you’re discharged, you can expect to rest at home for a week or two while you recover.
During recovery, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting. You may also experience some discomfort at the incision sites, but over-the-counter pain relievers should help ease the pain. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions and when to return for follow-up appointments.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
- Minimal scarring
- Reduced recovery time
- Less pain
- Lower risk of complications
- Faster return to normal activities
So, if you’re facing gallbladder issues and your doctor recommends a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, don’t panic! This minimally invasive surgery is like a magic wand that will quickly rid you of that pesky gallbladder and get you back to your old, pain-free self.
Open cholecystectomy: Traditional surgical approach with a larger incision
Open Cholecystectomy: The Traditional Surgical Route
In the realm of gallbladder surgeries, open cholecystectomy stands out as the tried-and-tested approach, the “old-school” method that’s been around the block. It’s like the sturdy workhorse of gallbladder removals, reliable and effective, but with its own quirks and charm.
Unlike its more modern, minimally invasive counterpart, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy requires a larger incision, typically about 4-6 inches long. This larger opening allows the surgeon to directly visualize the gallbladder and surrounding structures, providing a more hands-on approach.
While open cholecystectomy may not be as cosmetically appealing as laparoscopic surgery, with its larger scar, it offers several advantages. For one, it’s a highly effective procedure, with a success rate of over 95%. Plus, it’s often the preferred choice for patients who have a larger gallbladder, scarring from previous surgeries, or other complexities that make laparoscopic surgery less feasible.
Despite its traditional approach, open cholecystectomy has evolved over time. Minimally invasive techniques and smaller incisions have been incorporated into the procedure, reducing post-operative pain and shortening recovery time. So, while it may be the “old-school” method, open cholecystectomy is still a valuable tool in the gallbladder surgeon’s toolbox.
Like any surgery, open cholecystectomy comes with some potential risks and complications. These include bleeding, infection, damage to nearby organs, and bile leakage. However, these risks are generally low, and most patients recover fully within a few weeks.
If you’re facing a gallbladder issue, don’t be scared of the “big incision.” Open cholecystectomy is a safe and effective procedure that can get you back to your usual sunny self in no time. Just be sure to discuss all your options with your surgeon to make the best decision for your individual situation.
Gallbladder, Liver, and Bile Duct: An Insider’s Guide
Your gallbladder, liver, and bile duct are a trio of hard-working organs that make sure your digestion goes smoothly. Let’s dive into their world!
Understanding the Gallbladder, Liver, and Bile Duct
Imagine your gallbladder as a little storage tank for bile, a greenish-yellow fluid that helps break down fats. The liver is a master chemist that cooks up the bile. And the bile duct is like a plumbing system that transports the bile from the liver to your intestines.
Common Diseases and Conditions
But sometimes, things can go wrong in this digestive wonderland.
- Gallstones: Think of these as tiny, solid balls that can get stuck in your gallbladder or bile duct, causing pain and discomfort.
- Cholecystitis: This means your gallbladder is getting inflamed, and it’s no fun at all.
- Polyps: They’re like little bumps inside your gallbladder or bile duct, but don’t worry, they’re usually not serious.
- Cancer: This is a more serious issue, but early detection is key. Pay attention to any changes in your digestive habits or pain.
Diagnostic Tools for Gallbladder Issues
To figure out what’s up with your gallbladder, docs have a few tricks up their sleeves:
- Ultrasound: It’s like a “peek-a-boo” with sound waves, giving them a clear picture of your gallbladder’s health.
- CT: This is a more advanced X-ray that takes detailed pictures of your abdomen.
- MRI: This one uses magnets and radio waves to give your doctors a super-clear view.
- Cholangiopancreatography: This is the fancy name for a procedure that uses X-rays and dye to highlight your bile ducts.
Treatment Options for Gallbladder Conditions
Now, let’s talk about fixing these gallbladder woes:
- Cholecystectomy: This is the surgical removal of your gallbladder. It’s the most common treatment for gallstones and cholecystitis.
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: This is a less invasive surgery where docs make tiny cuts and use a camera to remove your gallbladder.
- ERCP: This procedure allows doctors to diagnose and treat blockages in your bile ducts. They insert a thin tube with a camera and can remove any obstacles.