Surgery for bile duct cancer
You might have surgery to remove bile duct cancer if it is only in the bile ducts and hasn't spread elsewhere in the body (advanced cancer). The operation you have depends on the type of bile duct cancer.
Unfortunately most bile duct cancers are advanced by the time they are diagnosed. This means that you won't normally be able to have the cancer removed. Your doctor might suggest other treatments such as chemotherapy. Or you might have treatment to control the symptoms.
Surgery to remove bile duct cancer
Some people may be able to have surgery to remove bile duct cancer. There are different operations for the different types of bile duct cancer.
Before your operation for bile duct cancer
You have a pre assessment and some tests before your operation. This is to make sure you are well enough for surgery and 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 for surgery. You also talk with your surgeon and anaesthetist.
After surgery for bile duct cancer
After surgery you will have some tubes and drains in. Your healthcare team will help you to get up and tell you when you can eat and drink again.
Problems after bile duct cancer surgery
There is a risk of problems (complications) after any operation. Possible complications include infections, blood clots, bleeding and a bile leak.
