Bile duct obstruction

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Bile pathway

Biliary obstruction - series

Digestive system

Endocrine glands

Biliary obstruction

• 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

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

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

• Gallbladder radionuclide scan
• Urine bilirubin
• Amylase

Review Date: 07/25/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.