BILIARY OBSTRUCTION

Course overview

BILIARY OBSTRUCTION REFERS TO THE IMPAIRMENT OF BILE FLOW FROM THE LIVER TO THE SMALL INTESTINE DUE TO BLOCKAGE OF THE BILIARY DUCT SYSTEM. BILE OBSTRUCTION AFFECTS A LARGE PORTION OF THE POPULATION AROUND THE WORLD, WITH SIGNIFICANT MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY. THE MOST COMMON ETIOLOGY OF BILIARY OBSTRUCTION IS GALLSTONES CAUSING COMMON BILE DUCT OBSTRUCTION, WHICH MANIFESTS AS PAIN, NAUSEA/VOMITING, AND JAUNDICE. THIS ACTIVITY DESCRIBES THE ETIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, EVALUATION, AND MANAGEMENT OF BILIARY OBSTRUCTION AND HIGHLIGHTS THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM'S ROLE IN CARING FOR AFFECTED PATIENTS.