BILIARY TRACT Biliary ascariasis

BILIARY TRACT Biliary ascariasis

The roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides commonly infests the intestines of inhabitants in Asia, Africa and Central America. It may enter the biliary tree through the ampulla of Vater and cause biliary pain. Complications include obstruction, stric - tures, suppurative cholangitis, liver abscesses and empyema of the gallbladder. In uncomplicated cases, antispasmodics can be given to relax the sphincter of Oddi and the worms may return to the intestine to be dealt with by anthelminthic drugs. Worms can be e xtracted by ERCP . Operation may be necessary to remove the worms or deal with complications.