Bile Duct Tumor Surgery in Boulder, CO

Surgery is the only way to cure a bile duct tumor or cancer. At Alpine Surgical, we offer bile duct tumor surgery in Boulder, CO, to help alleviate symptoms or in combination with other treatments to improve outcomes. Read on to learn about this surgical cancer service.

Specialized Care for Biliary Tract Tumors

The liver produces bile, a fluid that is stored in the gallbladder and needed for digestion in the small intestine. Bile travels through the body via microscopic tubes known as bile ducts. A bile duct tumor is an abnormal development that can be benign or malignant. It can affect the bile ducts both inside and outside the liver. Most gallbladder tumors are benign. Malignant tumors, however, can indicate this type of cancer, also known as biliary cancer or cholangiocarcinoma.

Surgeons can remove some bile duct tumors if they are discovered early. However, the more advanced the cancer, the less likely you are to be cured with surgery alone. Bile duct cancers are classified as resectable (removable) or unresectable. If the tumor is unresectable, a liver transplant may be considered.

Bile Duct Tumor Removal Procedure

For resectable bile duct tumors, our surgeons follow these steps:

1. Staging Laparoscopy – A staging laparoscopy allows your surgeon to gain a better picture of how advanced the cancer is. To accomplish this, your surgeon will make a small incision at your belly button and insert a laparoscope (a flexible tube with a camera at the tip). This method helps the surgeon to see where the cancer has spread. With this information, your doctors can tailor your care and improve your treatment plan.

2. Bile Duct Removal – If the tumor is small and outside the liver, our surgeon may be able to remove part or all of the bile duct. Then, a new duct will be created by linking the surviving bile duct to the small intestine. A bile duct excision may also include the removal of adjacent lymph nodes to rule out cancer.

3. Partial Liver Removal – When the bile duct with the tumor is located inside or outside the liver, a partial liver removal may be done for a better chance of cure. The surgeon will remove a portion of the liver where the cancer is located and some surrounding tissues.

4. Whipple Procedure – This involves removing the head of your pancreas, the first section of your small intestine, the gallbladder, a segment of your bile duct, and adjacent lymph nodes.

Bile Duct Tumor Surgery at Alpine Surgical

Bile duct tumor is one of the rarest types of cancer, yet it is also one of the hardest to detect. When you experience any symptoms of this disease, schedule an appointment at Alpine Surgical immediately. We can properly diagnose and provide bile duct tumor surgery in Boulder, CO.