Obstructive Jaundice and Its Common Causes
Aug 04, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Jiankuan
Introduction
Obstructive jaundice, also known as surgical jaundice, is a relatively common clinical pathological condition. It primarily results from partial or complete mechanical obstruction of the extrahepatic or intrahepatic bile ducts, which impedes the flow of bile from the bile ducts into the intestine. This leads to bile stasis and subsequent reflux of conjugated bilirubin into the bloodstream, causing jaundice. Common causes include pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and biliary calculi.
Obstructive jaundice, also known as surgical jaundice, is a relatively common pathological condition in clinical practice. It primarily results from partial or complete mechanical obstruction—either intrahepatic or extrahepatic—of the bile ducts, which impedes the normal flow of bile from the bile ducts into the intestine. This leads to bile stasis and subsequent reflux of conjugated bilirubin into the bloodstream, causing jaundice.
Because bile and its various components fail to enter the intestine (particularly in cases of complete obstruction), intraductal biliary pressure increases, hepatic blood flow is altered, and a cascade of systemic changes ensues—including disturbances in biochemical metabolism, immune function, and the function of other organs—thereby severely compromising normal physiological functions. Clinically, patients present with yellowing of the skin and sclera, pruritus, darkened urine, and pale stools; some may also develop fever.
Laboratory tests typically reveal elevated serum bilirubin levels—especially direct (conjugated) bilirubin—as well as abnormal liver enzyme levels. Common underlying causes of obstructive jaundice include pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and biliary stones.
