On the mechanical behavior of the human biliary system

Luo, X. , Li, W., Bird, N., Chin, S. B., Hill, N.A. and Johnson, A. G. (2007) On the mechanical behavior of the human biliary system. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 13(9), pp. 1384-1392. (doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i9.1384)

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Publisher's URL: https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v13/i9/1384.htm

Abstract

This paper reviews the progress made in understanding the mechanical behaviour of the biliary system. Gallstones and diseases of the biliary tract affect more than 10% of the adult population. The complications of gallstones, i.e. acute pancreatitis and obstructive jandice, can be lethal, and patients with acalculous gallbladder pain often pose diagnostic difficulties and undergo repeated ultrasound scans and oral cholecystograms. Moreover, surgery to remove the gallbladder in these patients, in an attempt to relieve the symptoms, gives variable results. Extensive research has been carried out to understand the physiological and pathological functions of the biliary system, but the mechanism of the pathogenesis of gallstones and pain production still remain poorly understood. It is believed that the mechanical factors play an essential role in the mechanisms of the gallstone formation and biliary diseases. However, despite the extensive literature in clinical studies, only limited work has been carried out to study the biliary system from the mechanical point of view. In this paper, we discuss the state of art knowledge of the fluid dynamics of bile flow in the biliary tract, the solid mechanics of the gallbladder and bile ducts, recent mathematical and numerical modelling of the system, and finally the future challenges in the area.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Luo, Professor Xiaoyu and Hill, Professor Nicholas and Li, Dr Wenguang
Authors: Luo, X., Li, W., Bird, N., Chin, S. B., Hill, N.A., and Johnson, A. G.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Mathematics
Journal Name:World Journal of Gastroenterology
Publisher:Baishideng Publishing Group
ISSN:1007-9327
ISSN (Online):2219-2840

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