Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disorders

Gallbladder and bile duct disorders encompass a range of conditions—from gallstone-driven cholecystitis and pancreatitis to malignancies like cholangiocarcinoma and iatrogenic bile duct injuries—that collectively place a substantial burden on surgical and gastroenterological care worldwide. Diagnosis and treatment have been transformed by minimally invasive approaches, particularly endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound, which allow clinicians to visualize, sample, and drain the biliary system without open surgery. Standardized frameworks such as the Tokyo Guidelines have improved consistency in managing acute cholangitis and cholecystitis, yet questions remain about optimal stent selection, the timing of intervention in complex cases, and how to reduce the risk of post-procedural pancreatitis. Early detection of cholangiocarcinoma, which typically presents at an advanced stage, continues to be an active and pressing challenge for the field.

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Keywords

ERCPCholecystitisBiliary DrainagePancreatitisGallstonesCholangiocarcinoma