About the book

The biliary tract is the duct that carries bile from the liver to the duodenum and is anatomically divided into intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. The biliary tract is an important channel for bile transport, ensuring the normal bile metabolism and the functioning of all functional mechanisms of the body. However, the bile ducts cause diseases such as biliary stones, cholangitis, and obstructive jaundice due to structural malformations or bile abnormalities. Meanwhile, malignant tumors of the bile ducts, due to their high malignancy, are at an advanced stage once detected and lose the chance of radical treatment by surgery. The diagnosis and treatment of bile duct diseases are constantly updated with technological advances. Early screening helps to detect the disease at an earlier stage, and the development of minimally invasive surgery minimizes the trauma of surgery, and the rapid postoperative recovery enables patients to resume normal life earlier.

This book discusses the anatomy and pathophysiological characteristics of the biliary tract, the latest progress in the treatment of different diseases of the biliary tract, and the management of complications. We hope that this book will provide clinicians with evidence for clinical decision-making and provide scientists with a comprehensive overview of current developments in this vital area.