Ha Giang General Hospital applies new techniques to treat bile duct obstruction caused by gallstones in the common bile duct.

The Department of Diagnostic Imaging at Ha Giang General Hospital, Tuyen Quang province, has successfully performed an intervention to treat bile duct obstruction caused by gallstones in the common bile duct. Remarkably, the intervention was performed by doctors using a balloon dilation technique to push the stone down into the duodenum, without the need for open surgery or other complex procedures.

The patient recovered quickly and is in stable condition after the procedure.

The intervention was performed on patient Do Thi Lien, 66 years old, residing in Group 7, Ha Giang 1 Ward. The patient was admitted with lower rib pain, jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and high blood bilirubin levels. Examination revealed biliary obstruction due to a common bile duct stone measuring 12 x 8 mm, causing bile stasis, elevated liver enzymes, and high blood bilirubin. Therefore, early intervention was indicated to avoid dangerous complications. The medical team in the Diagnostic Imaging Department decided to insert a drainage tube to reduce biliary pressure and wait for stabilization before using a balloon to push the stone directly into the duodenum.

The initial intervention, performed at Ha Giang General Hospital, was successful, and the gallstone was pushed down into the duodenum. Following the intervention, the patient recovered well, and blood liver enzyme and bilirubin levels returned to normal.

Modern medical equipment was used to perform the intervention.

According to doctors, previously, this type of case typically required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The old method was time-consuming, carried a high risk of complications, and had a long recovery time. The new method, performed with the assistance of digital subtraction angiography (DSA), only requires a small puncture in the abdominal flank. As a result, patients experience less pain, recover faster, and can be discharged after only 1-2 days.

Bile duct obstruction due to gallstones in the common bile duct can be dangerous, with serious complications such as acute cholangitis, septic shock, acute pancreatitis, liver failure, cirrhosis, and biliary bleeding. If left untreated, this dangerous condition can lead to sepsis and septic shock, with a high mortality rate. Patients experiencing symptoms such as pain in the right lower rib area radiating to the shoulder/back; progressively worsening jaundice; high fever, chills; dark urine; and pale stools should seek immediate medical attention.

Text and photos: Huy Toán

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202602/benh-vien-da-khoa-ha-giang-ung-dung-ky-thuat-moi-can-thiep-tac-mat-do-soi-ong-mat-chu-321459e/