Helping you feel like yourself again.
When the ducts that carry digestive fluids from your liver or pancreas become narrowed — called a stricture — it can block normal flow and cause uncomfortable symptoms. But you don’t have to live with the pain. We’ll help you understand what’s happening and create a plan that suits your lifestyle.
A stricture can develop for many reasons – and knowing the cause can help guide the best treatment. Common causes include:
- Previous surgery, pancreatitis, or injury
- Autoimmune conditions that affect the ducts
- Cancer-related changes
Do any of these sound familiar?
Strictures can feel different for everyone. Common signs include:
- Belly pain
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pale, gray, or oily stools
- Loss of appetite or itchy skin
Here’s how we can help.
We’ll use safe, modern tests to give you a clear picture — and aim to treat the problem at the same time. Tests may include:
- Bloodwork to check liver function and bilirubin.
- Ultrasound or CT to look for blockage or narrowing.
- ERCP using a sedated endoscopy with X-ray to evaluate ducts, and can treat many problems during the same procedure.
- MRI/MRCP to show detailed images of the ducts and pancreas.
Your plan depends on cause and location of the stricture. Options may include:
- Removing gallstones that block a duct.
- Widening the duct with a balloon and placing a stent to keep it open.
- Removing small tumors when appropriate.
- Medicine such as pain relievers or pancreatic enzymes.
- Surgery in more serious cases, especially when cancer is involved, to remove the diseased area or create a bypass.
Take these easy steps today.
Everyday choices can support your recovery and improve your long-term health:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Maintain a healthy weight and cholesterol level.
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
- Work with our dietitians and care team for a personalized plan.