Obstructive Jaundice

Question 1

What is meant by colicky pain?

Answer 1

severe abdominal pain caused by wind or intestinal obstruction; squeezing pain; move to reduce discomfort

Question 2

What are signs of obstructive jaundice?

Answer 2

Jaundice, pale stool, dark urine, Liver Function tests and reduced, colicky pain, epigastric pain

Question 3

What other blood tests should you be sure to request when a patient has suspected obstructive jaundice?

Answer 3

Serum Amylase

Prothrombin time - to check clotting factors which needs vitamins K

Question 4

What are the most appropriate radiological investigations which should be conducted for patients with obstructive jaundice?

Answer 4

1. Ultrasound
2. MRCP
3. If an US Scan & MRCP fail to reveal a cause - CT scan to exclude another cause.

Question 5

What treatments are offered for obstructive jaundice?

Answer 5

Most centres would proceed to an ERCP then offer a laparoscopic cholecystectomy after discharge when
the patient has recovered.

laparoscopic cholecystectomy and simultaneous CBD exploration if tests confirm presence of gall bladder stones and CBD stones