Bile duct obstruction

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Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

Bile duct obstruction

Alternative Names

Biliary obstruction

Symptoms

Pale-colored stools (caused by lack of bilirubin)
Dark urine (caused by bilirubin excreted in the urine)
Jaundice (yellow skin color)
Itching
Abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant
Fever
Nausea and vomiting

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will examine your abdomen and may be able to feel the gallbladder.

The following blood test results could indicate a possible blockage:

Elevated bilirubin
Elevated alkaline phosphatase
Elevated liver enzymes

Any of the following tests may be used to investigate a possible blocked bile duct:

Abdominal ultrasound
Abdominal CT scan
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA)
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

A blocked bile duct may also alter the results of the following tests:


Digestive system


Endocrine glands


Bile pathway


Biliary obstruction - series

Review Date: 7/25/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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