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Dilated Cbd Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu

With the consideration that a biliary channel is not expected to be more than 7 mm in diameter, an enlarged common bile duct causes pain, jaundice and complications. Dr. GastroDoxs, a 90 Gastroenterology service headed by Scott, offers a professional diagnosis and tailor-made treatment programs in Houston, depending on the application of highly-developed diagnostic imaging and minimal intervention.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
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Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Blocking of the common bile duct by gallstones.
  • Duct dilation after the removal of the gallbladder.
  • Tumors or stricture of the bile duct.
  • Inflammatory pancreatitis, or pancreatitis or infection.
  • Sclerosing cholangitis (primary sclerosing cholangitis).
  • Age over 60 years.
  • Past gallbladder surgery.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Right upper abdominal pain or discomfort.
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
  • Dark or clay-colored and light stools.
  • Itching (pruritus).
  • In case there is an infection, fever and chills.

How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Epigastric Pain from a Dilated CBD?

Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He should evaluate your pain at the epigastric and right-upper quadrant and the jaundice or itching and discusses the past operation of the gallbladder or risk factors like PSC.

Blood Tests

In order to identify cholestasis or inflammation, we test liver functions (ALT, AST, ALP), total and direct bilirubin and pancreatic enzymes.

Imaging Studies

  • CBD diameter, gallstones and ductal dilation are measured using abdominal ultrasound.
  • The MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) offers an image of ducts of bile in a non-invasive and detailed format.
  • The images of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are of high quality in order to reveal small stones, strictures or masses.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

ERCP SpyGlass cholangioscopy is capable of clearing causing stones, stenting, and biopsing because of the lack of strictures or tumors.

Dr. Scott
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for dilated common bile duct.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Tips

  • Eat low-fat, smaller meals.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid greasy or fried foods.
  • Add fruits, vegetables and fibers in your eating.

2. Medications

  • The Ursodeoxycholic acid to stimulate the biliary flow.
  • Pain killers to relieve pain.
  • In the event of infection, antibiotics.

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures

  • ERCP to clear stones or enlarge strictures.
  • Spyglass cholangioscopy of the bile duct.
  • Cases in complexity - Drainage or surgery.
Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 of dilated CBD?

A common bile duct which is dilated would be written under ICD-10 code of K83.1.

What is the cause of bile duct being enlarged?

The most common ones include: obstruction of the duct by gallstones, constriction or neoplasm-related constriction of the duct, and widening of the duct after surgery to the gallbladder.

What are the symptoms of a dilated CBD?

Observing the abdominal pain on the upper right, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, light-colored stools, itching, or fever due to the presence of an infection.

Does diet play a helpful role in the control of symptoms?

Yes. A low-fat, lower but more frequent intake, increased water and increased fiber in the diet is likely to relieve the symptoms and assist in the bile.

Is ERCP painful?

No. ERCP is completed through sedation. It might cause slight soreness in the throat or abdomen, but this heals quickly and most patients recover fully in a short time.

When should I see a doctor?

It should be scheduled upon the development of jaundice, acute abdominal pain, or fever with chills, which may be symptoms of complications requiring immediate evaluation.

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