Cholangitis

Cholangitis is a nonspecific inflammation of the bile ducts, which most often develops against the background of cholestasis caused by choledocholithiasis, common bile duct cysts or bile duct cancer. This disease can lead to serious complications such as the formation of multiple liver abscesses, sepsis and hepatic renal failure.

The clinical picture of cholangitis depends on the presence or absence of acute destructive cholecystitis, which is quite often complicated by cholangitis. Typically, the disease begins with a painful attack reminiscent of hepatic colic, after which obstructive jaundice, fever and skin itching quickly appear. Upon examination, you can detect icterus of the skin, traces of scratching on the skin, a wet coated tongue, as well as some muscle rigidity in the right hypochondrium and pain on palpation of the abdomen.

To establish the diagnosis of cholangitis, ultrasound examination of the liver and biliary tract can provide significant assistance. In the blood of patients, hyperbilirubinemia is usually observed, mainly due to direct bilirubin, an increase in alkaline phosphatase and a moderate increase in liver enzymes (ALT, AST) due to toxic damage to the liver parenchyma.

The management of patients with cholangitis presents significant difficulties, since it depends on the presence of a purulent process, obstructive jaundice and acute destructive cholecystitis. Each of these points requires prompt resolution, but patients with obstructive jaundice cannot tolerate lengthy and traumatic surgical interventions. Therefore, it is advisable, first of all, to ensure adequate outflow of bile, which simultaneously reduces the clinical manifestations of cholangitis and intoxication. The second stage is a radical intervention aimed at eliminating the cause of cholangitis.

In order to decompress the biliary tract, endoscopic napillosphincterotomy is performed after preliminary retrograde cholangiography. With residual stones of the common bile duct after papillosphincterotomy, the passage of stones from the biliary tract is sometimes observed, the phenomena of cholangitis are stopped and the question of the need for repeated surgery disappears.

The prognosis for patients with cholangitis is serious, so it is important to promptly seek medical help if suspicious symptoms appear. Despite the fact that the treatment of cholangitis presents significant difficulties, modern medicine has quite effective methods for diagnosing and treating this disease. However, as with any other disease, the success of treatment largely depends on the timeliness of seeking medical help and appropriate management of the patient.

Thus, cholangitis is a serious disease that can lead to serious complications and even death. Although the treatment of cholangitis presents significant difficulties, modern medicine has effective diagnostic and treatment methods that can achieve a favorable outcome if you seek medical help in a timely manner. Therefore, it is important not to ignore the symptoms of this disease and seek medical help promptly to prevent possible complications.

Cholangitis is a pathological inflammatory condition of the bile ducts of the liver. Cholangitis is a disease associated with infection of the biliary tract of the liver and, as a result, a violation of the outflow of bile into the duodenum. The inflammatory process affects the biliary system. In other words, cells are “collected” from all parts of the body for inflammation.

Cholangitis: inflammation of the bile ducts and its consequences

Cholangitis, also known as angiocholitis, is an inflammatory disease of the bile ducts. This is a serious condition that requires medical attention and can lead to complications if not treated promptly. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of cholangitis, as well as its possible consequences.

The causes of cholangitis can be varied. One of the most common causes is stagnation of bile in the bile ducts, caused by obstruction or blockage of the ducts. This may occur due to gallstones, tumors, duct strictures (narrowings), or inflammatory changes. Infection can also cause cholangitis, especially in cases where the bile ducts become infected with bacteria.

Symptoms of cholangitis vary and may include pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, and general weakness and fatigue. Some patients may experience itching and dark urine. It is important to note that symptoms may vary depending on the severity and progression of the disease.

To diagnose cholangitis, your doctor may prescribe a number of tests and procedures. This may include blood tests to evaluate bilirubin levels and other measures of liver function, ultrasound of the gallbladder and bile ducts, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRCP), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Treatment for cholangitis usually includes antibiotics to fight the infection, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation in the bile ducts, and procedures to remove obstructions if present. In cases of severe duct obstruction, endoscopic or surgical intervention may be required to restore normal bile flow.

Delayed or incorrect treatment of cholangitis can have serious consequences. One of the most common complications is the spread of infection to the liver, which can lead to pyelonephritis or liver abscess. Biliary tract problems may also occur, including stricture formation, peritonitis, and sepsis. Other possible complications include the development of gallstones, pancreatitis, or liver failure.

Prevention of cholangitis is based on preventive measures aimed at maintaining the health of the biliary tract. This may include eating healthy, avoiding excess consumption of fatty and fried foods, drinking water regularly and being physically active. It is also important to regularly check the condition of the bile ducts and, if symptoms occur, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

In conclusion, cholangitis is a serious inflammatory disease of the bile ducts that requires medical intervention. The causes of cholangitis can be varied, and its symptoms can range from abdominal pain to jaundice and fever. Diagnosis involves various tests, and treatment may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and procedures to remove obstructions in the bile ducts. It is important to see a doctor if you suspect cholangitis to prevent complications and ensure timely and effective treatment.