A digestive and excretory disorder- Bilary Obstruction

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A biliary obstruction is a digestive and excretory disorder characterized with the obstruction of the bile ducts. The condition arises as a result of blockage involving the bile ducts, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and the small intestine. It is more prevalent among women than men. Intrahepatic and extrahepatic ducts are the two types of biliary obstruction.

It must be noted that an untreated biliary obstruction may lead to several liver diseases which may be fatal. The bile is important in the removal of waste products from the body.

 

 

Causes

The common causes of obstructed bile duct include:
Gallstones
Bile ducts inflammation
Enlarged lymph nodes
Tumor growth in the bile ducts, pancreas
Gallbladder damages or injuries
Liver damage
Complications following liver surgery
Trauma or stress
Stricture of the bile ducts
Cysts
Pancreatitis
Hepatitis and other liver infections
Cirrhosis severe liver damage

 

 

Predisposing risk factors

Women are more vulnerable to developing obstructed bile duct because the most common cause of biliary obstruction is gallstones. Other risk factors are:

Obesity
Tumor history particularly in the right side of the abdomen
Gallstones experienced in the past
Chronic pancreatitis
Frequent loss of weight
Abdominal injury particularly on the right side

 

 

Symptoms

Itching
Jaundice
Nausea and vomiting
High fever
Dark urine
Stool that is light in color
Upper right side abdominal pain
Frequent loss of weight

 

 

Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be made using any of the followings diagnostic strategies:

Blood tests such as liver function test and full blood count.
Ultrasonography is used to view the gallstones.
X-ray of the bile ducts known as cholangiography
Imaging tests such as MRI, hepatobiliary iminodiacetic scan
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

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Treatment

The aim of the treatment primary is to remove the obstruction in the bile ducts particularly the gallstone through a surgical procedure known as cholecystectomy.

Another surgical treatment is the use of an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to remove small stones from the bile duct with the aim of restoring the flow of the bile in the body.

 

 

Prevention

Consume more fiber diets.
Minimize the intake of sugar and saturated fat in the diet.
Engage in regular exercise with a view to reducing weight in case of obesity.



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