We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Biloma?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 45,587
Share

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.

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.

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.

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.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By 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.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Fredo — On Jun 08, 2011

@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.

By cupOtea — On Jun 06, 2011

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?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-biloma.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.