DefinitionA biliary stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the common bile duct, the tube that moves bile (a substance that helps with digestion) from the liver to the small intestine.Alternative NamesBile duct strictureCauses, incidence, and risk factorsA biliary stricture is often caused by surgical injury to the bile ducts. For example, it may occur after surgery to remove the gallbladder.Other causes of this condition include:Cancer of the bile ductDamage and scarring due to a gallstone in the bile ductPancreatitisPrimary sclerosing cholangitisRisk factors include previous biliary surgery, pancreatitis, gallstones, or injury to the intestine.SymptomsAbdominal painChillsFeverItchingJaundiceNausea and vomitingPale or clay-colored stoolsSigns and testsThe following tests can help diagnose