Surgery for bile duct cancer
The type of surgery you have depends on where the cancer is in your bile ducts and whether it has spread (the stage). The tests you have to diagnose the cancer help your doctor decide which operation you need.
You might have surgery to remove bile duct cancer if your cancer is only in the bile ducts and hasn't spread elsewhere in the body. But unfortunately, most bile duct cancers are usually advanced by the time they are diagnosed. This means that you might not be able to have surgery to remove the cancer.
Your doctor might suggest other treatments such as chemotherapy. Or you might have a tube (stent) put in to treat a blocked bile duct.
Surgery to remove bile duct cancer
Surgery for bile duct cancer gives the best chance of curing. Find out more about surgery to remove bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma).
Before your operation for bile duct cancer
You have a pre assessment appointment and some tests before your operation. This is to make sure you are well enough for surgery and that you know how to prepare for it.
On the day of bile duct cancer surgery
On the day of your operation the ward staff make sure you are ready and prepared for theatre. You also talk to your surgeon and your anaesthetist before you go for your operation.
After surgery for bile duct cancer
After surgery you will have some tubes and drains in. Your doctor will tell you when you can eat and drink after the operation, and when you can go home.
Problems after bile duct cancer surgery
There is a risk of problems (complications) after any operation. Possible problems after surgery for bile duct cancer include leakage of bile and infection.
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