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Biliary Obstruction

Mechanical or inflammatory obstruction preventing bile from flowing from the liver to the duodenum.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Biliary Obstruction?

Biliary obstruction encompasses any mechanical or inflammatory condition that prevents bile from reaching the duodenum from the liver. The obstruction may be intrahepatic or extrahepatic.

The most common causes are common bile duct stones, pancreatic cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma, followed by sclerosing cholangitis and iatrogenic strictures. Cholangitis (biliary infection) is the most dangerous complication of obstruction and may present with Charcot's triad (fever, jaundice, right upper abdominal pain).

Abdominal ultrasonography is the first step in diagnosis; MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) is the gold standard for non-invasive imaging of the biliary tree. ERCP can be used both diagnostically and therapeutically.

Symptoms

Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Dark urine (tea colored)
Pale or bleached stool
Itching (deposition of bile salts in the skin)
Right upper abdominal pain or distension
Fever and chills (in cholangitis - emergency!)
Loss of appetite and weight loss

Risk Factors

History of gallstones
Pancreatic or biliary tumor
Diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis
Previous biliary surgery or ERCP
Inflammatory bowel disease (association with PSC)
Parasitic infections (in endemic areas)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When jaundice, dark urine, and right upper abdominal pain occur together
  • If fever accompanies jaundice (cholangitis - emergency!)
  • If unintentional weight loss and loss of appetite are present
  • If new jaundice develops in a patient with known gallstones

Treatment Methods

01
ERCP plus sphincterotomy and stone extraction (in choledocholithiasis)
02
Biliary stents (in malignant or benign strictures)
03
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and drainage (when ERCP fails)
04
In cholangitis: IV antibiotics (ceftriaxone plus metronidazole) and emergency drainage
05
Multidisciplinary oncology/surgery evaluation for malignant causes
06
Elective cholecystectomy after the underlying cause is treated

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.