Forsyth Medical Center 
Gallbladder/Bile Duct
Common Bile Duct Surgical Procedure
| A common bile duct exploration is performed once an x-ray determines that a stone is blocking the common bile duct, a tube that connects the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas to the small intestine and helps to deliver fluids that aid digestion. |
If a stone in the common bile duct is not removed, the duct may become infected, resulting in emergency surgery. A common bile duct exploration may be needed during surgery to remove the gallbladder if stones are found in the common bile duct.
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Do you have questions about disorders of the biliary system? Visit our Health Library for answers. |
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Surgery
The surgeon uses instruments to explore the common bile duct and adjacent structures. Once the stones are located, a flexible endoscope may be used to retrieve them. A temporary tube may be in place after the operation to drain excess bile.
