K83: Other diseases of biliary tract

K83.4: Spasm of sphincter of Oddi

Bile fluid flows out of the liver into the gallbladder through bile ducts. The gallbladder releases the bile fluid into the intestines via another bile duct. There is a muscle between this bile duct and the intestines. This muscle often contracts like a sphincter muscle. This retains the bile fluid in the gallbladder.

If we consume food, this muscle relaxes. In this way, the bile fluid can get into the intestines. There, the bile helps to digest fats. Substances and drugs are also excreted from the body structure via the bile fluid.

The muscle between your bile duct and small intestine is sometimes contracting too strongly. As a result, the muscle is cramping. You may thus have pain in your abdomen.