Learn About Cholangitis

What is the definition of Cholangitis?

Cholangitis is an infection of the bile ducts, the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. Bile is a liquid made by the liver that helps digest food.

What are the causes of Cholangitis?

Cholangitis is most often caused by bacteria. This can occur when the duct is blocked by something, such as a gallstone or tumor. The infection causing this condition may also spread to the liver.

Risk factors include a previous history of gallstones, sclerosing cholangitis, HIV, narrowing of the common bile duct, and rarely, travel to countries where you might catch a worm or parasite infection.

What are the symptoms of Cholangitis?

The following symptoms may occur:

  • Pain on the upper right side or upper middle part of the abdomen. It may also be felt in the back or below the right shoulder blade. The pain may come and go and feel sharp, cramp-like, or dull.
  • Fever and chills.
  • Dark urine and clay-colored or pale stools.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Yellowing of the skin (jaundice), which may come and go.
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What are the current treatments for Cholangitis?

Quick diagnosis and treatment are very important.

Antibiotics to cure infection are the first treatment done in most cases. ERCP or other surgical procedure is done when the person is stable. ERCP will drain the infection, which is usually needed along with antibiotics.

People who are very ill or are quickly getting worse may need surgery right away.

Who are the top Cholangitis Local Doctors?
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
7710 Mercy Rd Ste 2000, 
Omaha, NE 
 4.5 mi

Saurabh Chandan is a Gastroenterologist in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Chandan and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cholangitis. His top areas of expertise are Colorectal Polyps, Hereditary Pancreatitis, Acute Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology

Unmc Physicians

Emile 42nd St, 
Omaha, NE 
 8.1 mi

Timothy Mccashland is a Gastroenterologist in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Mccashland and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cholangitis. His top areas of expertise are Liver Failure, Cholangitis, Sclerosing Cholangitis, Liver Transplant, and Endoscopy.

 
 
 
 
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Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine

Physicians Clinic Inc

10060 Regency Cir, 
Omaha, NE 
 3.1 mi
Accepting New Patients

Edward Taylor is an Internal Medicine provider in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Taylor and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cholangitis. His top areas of expertise are High Cholesterol, Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Endoscopy. Dr. Taylor is currently accepting new patients.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Cholangitis?

The outcome is very often good with treatment, but poor without it.

What are the possible complications of Cholangitis?

Complications may include:

  • Sepsis
When should I contact a medical professional for Cholangitis?

Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of cholangitis.

How do I prevent Cholangitis?

Treatment of gallstones, tumors, and infestations of parasites may reduce the risk for some people. A metal or plastic stent that is placed in the bile system may be needed to prevent the infection from returning.

What are the latest Cholangitis Clinical Trials?
Registro Español de Enfermedades Hepáticas Colestásicas y Autoinmunes (ColHai)

Summary: The purpose of the registry is to know the status of primary biliary colgantis, autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholagitis and genetic cholestatic diseases in Spain.

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Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: June 11, 2024
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Fogel EL, Sherman S. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 141.

Sifri CD, Madoff LC. Infections of the liver and biliary system (liver abscess, cholangitis, cholecystitis). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 75.