Common causes of obstructive jaundice

Obstructive jaundice is caused by a blockage in the biliary system that prevents bile from being discharged normally. Common causes include bile duct stones, bile duct tumors, and bile duct strictures. Treatment requires medication, surgery, or other interventions depending on the specific cause.

1. Bile duct stones are one of the common causes of obstructive jaundice. Stones may be formed by cholesterol or bile pigments, blocking the bile duct and causing bile stasis. Treatment includes drug dissolution, endoscopic stone removal and surgical removal. Drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid can help dissolve cholesterol stones, endoscopic retrograde pancreaticobiliary angiography (ERCP) can remove stones, and in severe cases, cholecystectomy is required.

2. Bile duct tumors are also an important cause of obstructive jaundice. Tumors may be benign or malignant, such as bile duct cancer. Early diagnosis is crucial, and treatment methods include surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Surgical resection is the first choice, and chemotherapy drugs such as gemcitabine and cisplatin are often used as adjuvant therapy. Radiotherapy can locally control tumor growth.

3. Biliary stricture can be caused by inflammation, surgery or trauma. Inflammation such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, surgery or trauma may cause bile duct damage. Treatments include endoscopic dilatation, stent implantation and surgical repair. Endoscopic dilatation uses a balloon to dilate the stricture, stent implantation can maintain bile duct patency, and surgical repair is suitable for complex cases.

The causes of obstructive jaundice are diverse, with bile duct stones, bile duct tumors, and bile duct stenosis being common causes. Treatments for different causes include medication, endoscopy, and surgery. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial to improving prognosis. If symptoms such as jaundice and abdominal pain occur, seek medical attention promptly to identify the cause and take appropriate treatment measures.