Biliary Bypass

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Discharge
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Biliary bypass is surgery to go around a blockage in your bile duct. A blockage can cause bile to build up in your gallbladder or liver. This can cause problems such as pain, itching, jaundice, and liver failure. Surgery will help bile flow out of your liver to your gallbladder or small intestine. This can help relieve signs and symptoms caused by the blockage. Biliary bypass may be done if you have a blockage that cannot be removed through another kind of surgery.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call 911 for any of the following:

• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
• You cough up blood.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• You cannot stop vomiting.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
• You have pain or pressure in your abdomen or back.
• You have hiccups that do not stop in a few minutes.
• You have nausea and are vomiting.
• Your heart is beating faster than usual.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Rest as directed. Your healthcare provider will talk to you about activity after surgery.
• Eat small meals more often. This may help prevent nausea. Do not eat spicy or greasy foods.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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