The bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the intestine. When they are blocked by a stone, narrowed, or injured, bile backs up — causing jaundice, itching and infection.
Some bile duct stones can be removed endoscopically (ERCP). When they can’t, or when the duct is narrowed or damaged, specialist surgery is needed.
Signs of a bile duct problem
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine, pale stools or itching
- Fever with chills and pain under the right ribs
- Ongoing pain or jaundice after previous gallbladder surgery
Jaundice with high fever and shivering can mean a serious bile duct infection (cholangitis). Seek emergency care the same day.
Bile duct conditions I treat
Bile duct (CBD) stones
Stones lodged beyond where gallbladder surgery can reach, including stones that could not be cleared endoscopically.
Bile duct strictures
Narrowing that causes jaundice and infection.
Cholangiocarcinoma
Bile duct cancer requiring specialised resection.
Bile duct injuries
Repair of injuries and complications from previous surgery.
What to expect
01Consultation
We listen, examine you and go through your reports and scans. A first visit usually takes 20–30 minutes, and family members are welcome.
02Tests and a clear plan
If more information is needed, we arrange blood tests or scans. Then we explain your options in plain language — including whether you need surgery at all.
03Surgery, if needed
Most operations are done by keyhole. Before the day you'll know what to expect: the procedure, anaesthesia, hospital stay and insurance paperwork.
04Recovery at home
You go home with clear instructions on food, activity, medicines and warning signs, plus a patient guide for common operations.
05Follow-up
A check-up to review healing and any biopsy results, and to clear you for your normal routine.
Common questions
What does an HPB surgeon do that a general surgeon doesn't?
HPB (Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary) surgery is a specialised field because these organs don't forgive mistakes.
General surgery covers a wide range of procedures — hernias, appendix, gallbladder, bowel surgery.
HPB surgery focuses on liver resections (removing part of the liver), pancreatic surgery (tumours, chronic pancreatitis, cysts), complex bile duct problems (stones, strictures, tumours) and portal hypertension.
Why it matters: the liver and pancreas have complex blood-vessel anatomy, and a small technical error can be serious. Surgeons who do these operations regularly have better outcomes.
You may need an HPB specialist for: liver tumours or cysts, pancreatic tumours or chronic pancreatitis, bile duct stones that can't be removed endoscopically, and gallbladder cancer.
What happens if I ignore my gallstones?
Gallstones don't dissolve on their own. They either stay quiet or cause problems, such as:
- Acute cholecystitis (gallbladder infection): severe pain lasting hours or days, fever and chills; often needs urgent surgery
- Pancreatitis: a stone blocks the pancreatic duct, causing severe pain and vomiting that needs hospital admission — it can be life-threatening
- Jaundice: a stone slips into the bile duct, turning the skin and eyes yellow; this needs urgent treatment, often an endoscopic procedure followed by surgery
The pattern I see: patients who delay planned surgery often end up needing emergency surgery under worse conditions.
Can I get a second opinion?
Absolutely — and I encourage it for major surgery.
Getting more than one perspective is smart medicine. A good surgeon won't be offended; they'll respect your diligence.
If you're coming to me for a second opinion, bring all your medical records, your imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound reports plus the films or CDs) and your previous doctor's treatment plan. I'll review everything and give you an honest assessment — even if that means agreeing with your first doctor or suggesting a non-surgical approach. More about second opinions.