Cholestatic icterus
General Bile is a bodily fluid produced by the liver, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the duodenum for digestion. Disturbances in the bile flow can cause jaundice. An icterus is generally a yellowing of various body surfaces, which is why it is also commonly called “jaundice“.
Cause Cholestatic icterus has a posthepatic cause, i.e. the bile flow from the liver into the duodenum through the choledochal duct is disturbed. This obstruction of the choledochal duct can be caused by tumors or gallstones. A rather rare cause is a congenital atresia of the bile duct.
Symptoms In addition to the yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, severe pain can occur, which manifests itself as biliary colic. Tumorous changes can be painful, but are usually painless in the early stages. Therefore, especially in the case of a painless icterus, it should be clarified whether a malignant change is the underlying cause.
Such tumors can originate from the gallbladder, the bile ducts, the duodenum (duodenum) or the pancreas. Treatment The treatment depends on the cause of the icterus. If the icterus is caused by gallstones, endoscopic procedures to remove them can be considered.
However, surgical removal of the gallbladder may also be necessary under certain circumstances. The therapy cannot be generalized and varies from case to case, which is why an icterus should always be clarified immediately by a physician. Prevention
In order to prevent posthepatic jaundice, it is recommended to follow a low-fat, high-fiber diet.This prevents the development of gallstones. Prevention In order to prevent post-hepatic jaundice, it is recommended to follow a low-fat, high-fiber diet. This prevents the development of gallstones.
Cholestasis
General The term cholestasis describes a bile stasis. It is a backlog of various bile components, such as billirubin and bile acids, or a disturbed flow of bile into the intestine. A further distinction is made between extrahepatic and intrahepatic cholestasis.
Causes Extrahepatic cholestasis is caused by a mechanical obstruction of the bile outflow, for example by tumors or gallstones. Intrahepatic cholestasis can be caused by a viral infection or toxins. Symptoms The leading symptom of cholestasis is jaundice, which is caused by the lack of bile outflow.
Cholestasis also manifests itself in nausea, vomiting, tiredness and loss of appetite. The stool may be discolored. If cholestasis is caused by gallstones, colicky pain may also occur. Treatment see above (icterus)
