Which department should I visit for high bilirubin levels?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
If elevated bilirubin is caused by intrahepatic cholestasis, extrahepatic cholestasis, common bile duct stones, or common bile duct tumors, patients should visit the gastroenterology department for evaluation and treatment. If elevated bilirubin results from biliary stones or tumors in the ampullary region, patients should seek evaluation and treatment from the hepatobiliary surgery department. For unexplained anemia or facial jaundice, patients should consult the hematology department for diagnosis and treatment.
Bilirubin elevation should be evaluated at a specialized hospital by visiting the gastroenterology department, hepatobiliary surgery department, or hematology department, depending on the specific circumstances.
1. Gastroenterology Department
Elevated bilirubin levels may result from intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholestasis. Additionally, conditions such as common bile duct stones or tumors of the common bile duct can also cause increased bilirubin. In such cases, patients should visit the gastroenterology department for relevant examinations, followed by treatments such as bile duct stone removal or bile duct stent placement.
2. Hepatobiliary Surgery Department
Elevated bilirubin may also be caused by biliary stones or tumors in the ampullary region. In these situations, patients should seek evaluation at the hepatobiliary surgery department. After identifying the underlying cause, surgical intervention will be required.
3. Hematology Department
If a patient has unexplained anemia or develops a pale lemon-colored jaundice, it may indicate an underlying hematologic disorder, such as thalassemia or polycythemia. In such cases, the patient should visit the hematology department at a hospital for diagnosis and treatment.
