What to expect from tumour removal surgery for bile duct cancer

The location of the cancer guides the operation. A tumour nearer the liver may require removal of bile ducts and part of the liver. A tumour nearer the intestine may involve the gallbladder, bile duct, part of the pancreas and intestine. The surgeon then reconnects the remaining bile duct or liver ducts to the intestine. Drains may be left temporarily to remove fluid while tissues heal.

Blood tests and scans check liver function and help the team plan. The removed tissue is examined, and the result can guide further treatment.

Tell the team about jaundice, itching, weight changes, medicines and previous procedures such as a bile-duct stent. Follow fasting and medicine instructions. Recovery often includes gradual food and activity, incision care and monitoring of drains. Take prescribed medicines, keep review appointments and ask when blood tests will be repeated. Report changes in stool colour, urine colour or skin tone because they can reflect bile-flow problems.

Contact the team quickly for fever, chills, worsening jaundice, increasing abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a leaking or dislodged drain, wound redness or unusual drainage. Seek emergency help for confusion, collapse, severe pain, breathing difficulty or uncontrolled bleeding.

Ask which organs may be removed, how bile drainage will be reconstructed, whether a stent or drain is expected, how eating and activity will progress, how liver function will be followed and when pathology results will be reviewed.