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.
