Biliary Emergency Information card

To explain further:

In an effort to educate patients and physicians about a potentially fatal complication of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, in collaboration with a Roswell Park Cancer Institute oncologist, has launched the “Show Us Your Card” campaign, and a new free product for patients – the Biliary Emergency Information Card.

Patients with cholangiocarcinoma are at increased risk for ascending cholangitis, which is a bacterial infection in the biliary system. This complication is more common in patients with bile duct drainage tubes or stents; however, cholangitis can occur in any patient with cholangiocarcinoma, and can be life threatening and should be treated as a medical emergency. Symptoms of cholangitis include: fever, shaking, chills, abdominal pain, jaundice, malaise, general weakness, right upper quadrant tenderness, hypotension or septic shock.

Patients can quickly and easily complete a free, online form that populates the Biliary Emergency Card with patient information for their specific cholangiocarcinoma treatment and their health care providers’ contact information. The patients can print and fold the card so it is accessible at all times. Instructions on the card also include specific emergency treatment guidelines. Medical personnel can scan a QR code or visit the Foundation website for additional instructions on symptoms, signs, labs, workup, treatment and follow-up for the patient