Jaundice Obstructive

Obstructive Jaundice: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Jaundice obstruction, also known as icterus obstructivus, is a condition in which the body's bile ducts become blocked, causing the bile pigment bilirubin to accumulate in the skin, mucous membranes and eyes. This is a serious disease that requires medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.

The causes of bile duct obstruction may vary. One of the most common causes is the presence of gallstones, which form in the gallbladder and can block the ducts. Other causes include tumors of the bile ducts, inflammation of the gallbladder or bile ducts (cholecystitis or cholangitis), and stricture or compression of the ducts due to external factors.

The main symptom of obstructive jaundice is a yellow tint to the skin, mucous membranes and eyes caused by the accumulation of bilirubin. Other symptoms may include itching, dark urine and discolored stools. Patients may also experience pain or discomfort in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and general weakness.

To diagnose obstructive jaundice, your doctor may order a number of tests, including a blood test to measure bilirubin levels, an ultrasound scan of the gallbladder and bile ducts, a computed tomography (CT) scan, or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. In some cases, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or other procedures may be necessary to more accurately determine the location and cause of the obstruction.

Treatment for obstructive jaundice depends on its cause. If gallstones are causing the obstruction, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) or splitting of the stone may be necessary. In the case of tumors or structural changes in the ducts, surgery may be required to remove the tumor or relieve the obstruction. In some cases, duct stenting or other procedures may be necessary to facilitate bile flow.

An important aspect of treatment is to eliminate the cause of the obstruction to prevent recurrence of obstructive jaundice. After successful treatment, patients may be given regular testing and monitoring of bilirubin levels to monitor the condition and prevent relapses.

In some cases, when the obstruction cannot be completely relieved or when the patient is too ill for surgery, symptomatic treatments may be used. This may include medications to reduce bilirubin levels, relieve itching symptoms, and maintain normal liver function.

It is important to note that obstructive jaundice is a serious disease that requires medical intervention and specialist supervision. If you or a loved one has signs of jaundice, such as yellow skin or eyes, see your doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

In conclusion, obstructive jaundice is a condition in which blockage of the bile ducts leads to the accumulation of bilirubin and a yellow tint to the skin and eyes. Diagnosis and treatment of this disease require a specialist and are based on the cause of the obstruction. Timely consultation with a doctor and appropriate treatment can help prevent complications and restore normal function of the bile ducts and liver.