• Surgeons
    ▼
    • Jason Cohen, MD, FACS
    • Yosef Nasseri MD, FACS, FASCRS
    • Joshua Ellenhorn, MD, FACS
    • Elizabeth Arena, MD, FACS
    • Moshe Barnajian, MD, FASCRS
    • Pegah Panirian, DPM
    • Leo A. Gordon, MD, FACS
  • Specialties
    ▼
    • General Surgery
      ▼
      • Appendicitis
      • Biliary
      • Gallbladder
      • Hidradenitis Suppurativa
      • Hernia Surgery
        ▼
        • Ventral Hernias
      • Lipoma Removal
    • Colorectal Surgery
      ▼
      • Anal Fistula
      • Anal Fissure
      • Colon Cancer
      • Colon Polyps
      • Colonoscopy
      • Colorectal Screening
      • Hemorrhoids
      • Fecal Incontinence
      • Intestinal and Bowel Endometriosis
      • Pilonidal Cyst
      • Diverticulitis
      • Crohn’s Disease
      • Ulcerative Colitis
      • Rectal Prolapse
      • Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) Procedure
    • Breast Cancer Center
      ▼
      • About Breast Cancer
      • Breast Cancer Screening
      • Surgical Options
    • Thyroid Surgery Los Angeles
      ▼
      • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
      • Parathyroid
      • Thyroid
      • Thyroid Nodules
      • Thyroidectomy
    • Foot and Ankle Surgery
    • Abdominal Cancers
    • Skin Cancer Surgery
      ▼
      • Melanoma FAQ
  • Research Foundation
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Second Opinion
  • Contact

We Are Accepting New Patients

310-861-7493
Schedule
Appointment
  • Surgeons
    • Jason Cohen, MD, FACS
    • Yosef Nasseri MD, FACS, FASCRS
    • Joshua Ellenhorn, MD, FACS
    • Elizabeth Arena, MD, FACS
    • Moshe Barnajian, MD, FASCRS
    • Pegah Panirian, DPM
    • Leo A. Gordon, MD, FACS
  • Specialties
    • General Surgery
      • Appendicitis
      • Biliary
      • Gallbladder
      • Hidradenitis Suppurativa
      • Hernia Surgery
        • Ventral Hernias
      • Lipoma Removal
    • Colorectal Surgery
      • Anal Fistula
      • Anal Fissure
      • Colon Cancer
      • Colon Polyps
      • Colonoscopy
      • Colorectal Screening
      • Hemorrhoids
      • Fecal Incontinence
      • Intestinal and Bowel Endometriosis
      • Pilonidal Cyst
      • Diverticulitis
      • Crohn’s Disease
      • Ulcerative Colitis
      • Rectal Prolapse
      • Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) Procedure
    • Breast Cancer Center
      • About Breast Cancer
      • Breast Cancer Screening
      • Surgical Options
    • Thyroid Surgery Los Angeles
      • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
      • Parathyroid
      • Thyroid
      • Thyroid Nodules
      • Thyroidectomy
    • Foot and Ankle Surgery
    • Abdominal Cancers
    • Skin Cancer Surgery
      • Melanoma FAQ
  • Research Foundation
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Second Opinion
  • Contact
  • Surgeons
    ▼
    • Jason Cohen, MD, FACS
    • Yosef Nasseri MD, FACS, FASCRS
    • Joshua Ellenhorn, MD, FACS
    • Elizabeth Arena, MD, FACS
    • Moshe Barnajian, MD, FASCRS
    • Pegah Panirian, DPM
    • Leo A. Gordon, MD, FACS
  • Specialties
    ▼
    • General Surgery
      ▼
      • Appendicitis
      • Biliary
      • Gallbladder
      • Hidradenitis Suppurativa
      • Hernia Surgery
        ▼
        • Ventral Hernias
      • Lipoma Removal
    • Colorectal Surgery
      ▼
      • Anal Fistula
      • Anal Fissure
      • Colon Cancer
      • Colon Polyps
      • Colonoscopy
      • Colorectal Screening
      • Hemorrhoids
      • Fecal Incontinence
      • Intestinal and Bowel Endometriosis
      • Pilonidal Cyst
      • Diverticulitis
      • Crohn’s Disease
      • Ulcerative Colitis
      • Rectal Prolapse
      • Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) Procedure
    • Breast Cancer Center
      ▼
      • About Breast Cancer
      • Breast Cancer Screening
      • Surgical Options
    • Thyroid Surgery Los Angeles
      ▼
      • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
      • Parathyroid
      • Thyroid
      • Thyroid Nodules
      • Thyroidectomy
    • Foot and Ankle Surgery
    • Abdominal Cancers
    • Skin Cancer Surgery
      ▼
      • Melanoma FAQ
  • Research Foundation
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Second Opinion
  • Contact

Bile Duct Obstruction & Biliary Surgery

A bile duct obstruction refers to a blockage of the bile ducts, tubes that transport bile from the liver to the small intestine by way of the gallbladder and pancreas. Depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause, biliary surgery may be needed in order to clear the obstruction or even to remove the gallbladder. Options include both open surgery and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery.
Contact Us

General Surgery

  • Appendicitis
  • Biliary
  • Gallbladder
  • Hernia
  • Hemorrhoids

Colorectal Surgery

  • Colon Cancer
  • Colonoscopy
  • Colorectal Screening
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Diverticulitis
  • Fecal Incontinence
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Pilonidal Cyst
  • THD Procedure
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Colorectal Surgery FAQ

Breast Cancer Center

  • Statistics
  • MD Consultation
  • Screening
  • Surgical Options

Thyroid Surgery

  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
  • Parathyroid
  • Thyroid

Skin Cancer Surgery

  • Melanoma FAQ

Understanding Biliary Disease

A biliary obstruction is a serious condition. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. In order to understand why, you must first understand what a bile duct is and how it functions.

Bile is essential to digestion. A green or yellow-brown fluid secreted by your liver, stored in your gallbladder, and released into your small intestine, its job is to digest and absorb fats, as well as to flush waste products from your system.

Serious problems can occur when the liver is unable to produce bile, or when the tubes that transport it become blocked. Diseases of the bile duct include everything from cancer to PBC (Primary Biliary Cirrhosis), a possible autoimmune disorder that causes the gradual destruction of the liver and bile ducts.

The Culprits Behind Bile Duct Problems

A number of conditions can cause a bile duct blockage. They include:

Gallbladder Stones – The most common culprits are gallstones, small pieces of cholesterol or bile that form in the gallbladder. Typically benign and asymptomatic, they can sometimes cause painful obstructions that require immediate removal.

Bile Duct Stones – Most gallstones are small enough to pass through the bile ducts without causing problems. In some instances, they can get stuck, creating an obstruction within the bile duct itself.

Bile Duct Cancer – A rare but serious condition, cancer of the bile duct can also lead to blockage. Cancer cells can appear anywhere within the biliary system, but often they form:

  • In the liver
  • In the bile duct near the liver
  • In the bile duct near the small intestine
Why Biliary Surgery?

Surgery is the standard treatment for a blocked bile duct. Doctors typically advise patients with painful gallstones to seek immediate treatment. That’s because a blockage can cause a dangerous infection or a buildup of bilirubin that eventually leads to chronic liver disease. More often than not, surgeons will perform a cholecystectomy—a procedure which involves the removal of the gallbladder.

Surgery may also be an option for patients who suffer from cancer, as long as they have a reasonable chance of recovering from the operation. Surgery may involve a widening of the duct or even removal of some or part of the surrounding organs.

That being said, some complications can be dangerous. When the intestines get trapped inside a hernia, it’s called strangulation, and it could lead to loss of blood supply to the area. To prevent the possibility of strangulation, doctors recommend hernia surgery for most patients. The question usually isn’t if a patient needs surgery, but when. Some can wait. Others can’t.

Understanding the Risks

Most surgeries are relatively safe, particularly when performed using minimally invasive techniques. That being said, there are risks. They include:

  • Infection around or in an incision
  • General anesthesia risks
  • Internal bleeding
  • Injury to the bile duct, small intestine, or liver
  • Bile leakage

Surgery to treat cancer can be more serious, depending on how far it has progressed and how much of the surrounding organs need to be removed.

Learn More and Schedule an Appointment

Surgery Group LA uses state-of-the-art surgical techniques to treat biliary disorders. Our multi-disciplinary team of surgeons provide expert, personalized care to each of our patients. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians. We’ll discuss your condition and do what we can to create a customized treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.

People may experience pain or discomfort in the affected area, particularly when lifting, bending, or coughing. Hernia pain is somewhat common but not universal; often a bulge appears without any unwanted sensations. Signs of strangulation include nausea, vomiting, and the sudden onset of pain. Anyone who feels these symptoms should call a doctor and discuss their option

Experience matters. Our surgeons have achieved the highest standard of recognition for their expertise and skill.

More importantly, our team of world-renowned surgeons have saved countless lives, and have enabled countless more to live healthy, happy lives.

Successful Surgeries
25000 +
Years of Combined Experience
0

Schedule an evaluation with one of our renowned surgeons

Each Surgery Group LA surgeon is specialized and highly skilled, so you can rest assured you are being taken care of by the best.
Schedule Appointment
[booked-calendar]



    Surgery Group of LA is a multi-specialty surgical practice based in Los Angeles, dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care across a wide range of specialties including colorectal, thyroid, general, and minimally invasive surgery. Our board-certified surgeons are committed to delivering personalized treatment using the latest technology and techniques.
    • General Surgery
    • Colorectal Surgery
    • Breast Cancer Center
    • Thyroid & Parathyroid
    • Abdominal Cancers
    • Skin Cancer | Melanoma
    • Foot and Ankle Surgery

    Patient Resources

    • New Patient Forms
    • Blog

    310-861-7493

    8635 W 3rd St Suite 880 W,
    Los Angeles, CA 90048
    [email protected]

    Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Yelp

    ©2025 Surgery Group LA

    Website Design & Digital Marketing Powered by Topco Marketing

    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    CALL