Sappijohdoissa

Sappijohdoissa refers to the bile ducts, which are a series of tubes that transport bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that aids in the digestion of fats. The bile ducts are crucial for this digestive process and for the elimination of waste products from the body.

The biliary system consists of intrahepatic bile ducts, located within the liver, and extrahepatic bile ducts, found outside the liver. The hepatic ducts collect bile from the liver, and the cystic duct carries bile to and from the gallbladder. These then join to form the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

Problems with the bile ducts can lead to various medical conditions, collectively known as biliary diseases. These can include gallstones, which are hardened deposits that can form in the gallbladder or bile ducts and obstruct bile flow, leading to pain and inflammation. Other conditions include cholangitis, an infection of the bile ducts, and bile duct cancer. Symptoms of biliary issues can range from abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and changes in stool color to more severe complications if left untreated. Diagnosis often involves imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, and treatment depends on the specific condition and may include medication, surgery, or endoscopic procedures.