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What is a Biloma?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A biloma or biliary cyst is a collection of bile inside the abdomen that has become encapsulated with epithelial cells. There are a number of situations that can contribute to the formation of this type of cyst, and there are several treatment options available, depending on its location, size, and severity. Symptoms associated with a biliary cyst can vary, with some patients experiencing issues like abdominal pain and tenderness or symptoms such as fever and confusion, if the cyst becomes infected.

Bile, a fluid produced in the liver, plays a role in the digestive process. Two common reasons for a biloma to form include damage to the liver and problems with the bile duct. These deposits can also form after gall bladder removal. The cyst can be identified with the use of ultrasound imaging of the abdomen, in which the deposit of bile will clearly show up in the image. Imaging can be used to determine whether or not action needs to be taken.

A biloma is a collection of bile inside the abdomen that is encased in epithelial cells; symptoms include abdominal pain and tenderness, fever, and confusion.
A biloma is a collection of bile inside the abdomen that is encased in epithelial cells; symptoms include abdominal pain and tenderness, fever, and confusion.

In some cases, the problem will resolve on its own, with the body gradually reabsorbing the contents. In other instances, the cyst may require drainage, especially if it is big and the body cannot clear it on its own, or when it becomes infected. If infection occurs, drainage will be accompanied by flushing to make sure that all of the infected material has been cleared. A drain may also be left in, depending on the circumstances, so that it can drain while it heals.

Gallbladder removal surgery may lead to the formation of a biloma.
Gallbladder removal surgery may lead to the formation of a biloma.

If it becomes necessary to drain a biloma, the use of antibiotics to prevent or deal with infection may be recommended. These drugs can address the growth of microorganisms that may take advantage of the problem to gain a foothold in the body. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also be prescribed to address inflammation and swelling that may cause discomfort for the patient. The patient may also be advised to rest while the biliary cyst heals.

Damage to the liver and problems with the bile duct are common reasons for a biloma to form.
Damage to the liver and problems with the bile duct are common reasons for a biloma to form.

People who are at risk for bilomas include those with liver damage or people who have had a cholecystectomy procedure. These patients are usually monitored for signs of complications, including cysts, which allow healthcare professionals to catch the complications early before they develop into a serious medical problem. This is one important reason to make and keep follow up appointments, as medical issues may not generate symptoms in their early stages, so a patient may feel healthy, but be in need of treatment.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Fredo

@cupOtea - I would think that if you are following the doctor's orders, you would be resting but the article also mentions that you should make sure that you go to your follow-up appointments so you can be monitored for any biloma symptoms. Ibuprofen is good for keeping swelling down, but antibiotics are also prescribed to get rid of an infection, which swelling is a sign of.

cupOtea

So if I get my gall bladder removed and I'm following the doctor's orders and resting and I have ibuprofen around, it would keep the swelling down if I get an infection then?

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    • A biloma is a collection of bile inside the abdomen that is encased in epithelial cells; symptoms include abdominal pain and tenderness, fever, and confusion.
      By: ruigsantos
      A biloma is a collection of bile inside the abdomen that is encased in epithelial cells; symptoms include abdominal pain and tenderness, fever, and confusion.
    • Gallbladder removal surgery may lead to the formation of a biloma.
      By: llhedgehogll
      Gallbladder removal surgery may lead to the formation of a biloma.
    • Damage to the liver and problems with the bile duct are common reasons for a biloma to form.
      By: blueringmedia
      Damage to the liver and problems with the bile duct are common reasons for a biloma to form.
    • An ultrasound exam of the abdomen may be used to diagnose a biloma.
      By: grki
      An ultrasound exam of the abdomen may be used to diagnose a biloma.
    • Bile, a fluid produced in the liver, plays a role in the digestive process.
      By: 7activestudio
      Bile, a fluid produced in the liver, plays a role in the digestive process.