Obstructive Jaundice

Obstructive jaundice is a condition characterized by a blockage in the bile duct system, preventing bile from flowing from the liver to the small intestine. Bile is a yellowish-green fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fats and eliminate waste products from the body. When bile flow is obstructed, bilirubin, a yellow pigment found in bile, builds up in the bloodstream and gets deposited in the skin and whites of the eyes, causing them to turn yellow (jaundice).

Causes

Several conditions can cause obstructive jaundice. The most common causes include:

Gallstones: Gallstones are the most common cause of obstructive jaundice. They are hardened deposits of cholesterol and other substances that form in the gallbladder. Gallstones can block the common bile duct, which is the tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.
Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is located near the bile duct, and inflammation can cause swelling that narrows or blocks the duct.
Cancer: Cancer of the bile ducts, pancreas, liver, or nearby lymph nodes can also obstruct the bile duct.
Biliary strictures: These are abnormal narrowings of the bile ducts. They can be caused by scar tissue from previous surgery or inflammation, or by congenital conditions (present at birth).
Parasites: In some parts of the world, parasitic infections can cause obstructive jaundice.

Symptoms

The symptoms of obstructive jaundice can vary depending on the severity of the blockage. Common symptoms include:

Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
Dark urine
Light-colored stools
Itching
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite

Diagnosis

If you have symptoms of obstructive jaundice, your doctor will order a variety of tests to diagnose the cause of the blockage. These tests may include:

Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to measure bilirubin levels and other liver function tests.
Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan, can be used to visualize the bile ducts and identify the location of the blockage.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): ERCP is a procedure that combines endoscopy (using a thin, lighted tube to examine the inside of the body) and X-rays to visualize the bile ducts and pancreas. During ERCP, doctors can also attempt to remove gallstones or other blockages from the bile duct.

Treatment

The treatment for obstructive jaundice depends on the underlying cause of the blockage. Treatment options may include:

Removing gallstones: If gallstones are causing the blockage, they can be removed surgically or with ERCP.
Treating pancreatitis: Treatment for pancreatitis focuses on managing the inflammation and pain.
Removing cancer: Surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may be used to treat cancer that is causing the blockage.
Stenting the bile duct: A stent is a small tube that can be inserted into the bile duct to keep it open (Click here to read more on Angioplasty/ stenting)
Surgery to repair a stricture: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a stricture in the bile duct.

Complications

If obstructive jaundice is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including:

Liver infection (cholangitis): Bile that cannot drain from the liver can become infected.
Liver damage: Over time, a blocked bile duct can damage the liver.
Liver failure: In severe cases, obstructive jaundice can lead to liver failure, which is a life-threatening condition.

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Obstructive Jaundice