Biliary Emergency Information Card

Prepare your card. Stay safe.

Patients with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) are at risk for a serious complication called ascending cholangitis; a bacterial infection of the biliary system, which can be fatal.   The risk of this complication is highest in patients with biliary stents, biliary drainage tubes and/or patients who have had an ERCP or other medical procedure on the biliary tree.  However, all patients with cholangiocarcinoma are at risk for ascending cholangitis, which must be treated immediately.  Untreated ascending cholangitis can result in fatality.

Cholangiocarcinoma is rare. This means that community doctors outside of your specialized treatment team may not be familiar with the management of specific complications that may arise during your treatment.  This card will provide medical personnel with information on how to contact your doctor(s) should it be necessary.  If your doctor(s) cannot be reached, it will direct medical personnel to specific guidelines for your treatment.