The study of liver and biliary disorders is undertaken within the field
of hepatology. Liver diseases are caused by a variety of factors. Some
of these are viral hepatitis and other infectious diseases, inflammatory
liver conditions, conditions arising due to high alcohol consumption and
toxins, malignant neoplasm of the liver and intrahepatic bile ducts,
metabolic diseases and vascular disorders of the liver, etc. Diseases of
the gallbladder and biliary tract include malignant neoplasms,
cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, biliary dyskinesia, spasm of sphincter of
Oddi, etc. The investigation of biliary and liver diseases is done
through specialized imaging techniques. Non-invasive non-therapuetic
investigations are possible with the aid of endoscopic ultrasound and
magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography combines fluoroscopy and endoscopy to diagnose
and treat disorders of the biliary or pancreatic ductal systems. It can
address inflammatory strictures, leaks acquired from surgery or trauma,
and cancer. The anatomy of the biliary tract can be visualized with
percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. This book elucidates the
causes, symptoms and pathophysiology of hepatobiliary diseases in a
comprehensive manner. It strives to provide a fair idea about the modern
practices in the management of hepatobiliary disorders. A number of
latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with
the global concepts in these medical conditions.
