Secondary biliary cirrhosis is a condition that develops because of long-term partial or total obstruction of the large bile ducts outside of the liver (known as the common bile duct and its major branches). When the ducts are damaged, bile (which is a substance that helps digest fat) builds up in the liver and damages the liver tissue. Over time, the secondary biliary cirrhosis can progress and even make the liver stop working.

Causes of secondary biliary cirrhosis may include:

• Narrowing (strictures) of the bile duct following gallbladder surgery
• Gallstones
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Pericholangitis
• Idiopathic sclerosing cholangitis
• Congenital biliary atresia
• Cystic fibrosis.