MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Biliary obstruction

Medical Encyclopedia

Biliary obstruction - series: Indication

Biliary obstruction - series
Illustrations:

Normal anatomy

Indication

Procedure

Aftercare

Biliary obstruction occurs when the duct which transports bile from the liver to the small intestine (duodenum) is blocked by a stone, a tumor, an injury or inflammation of any of the ducts. A tumor in the pancreas may press in on the ducts, causing a backup of bile in the gallbladder. Blood tests may indicate a high level of bilirubin, a waste product of the liver, or diagnosis may come from an endoscopic examination. Untreated biliary obstruction may cause life-threatening infection or chronic liver disease.

Update Date: 8/17/2008

Updated by: Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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