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Surgical Treatment of Obstructive Jaundice in Dnipro

Obstructive jaundice is a condition that develops as a result of impaired bile flow through the hepatic ducts. This pathology presents with pronounced symptoms and requires timely diagnosis and treatment. Without appropriate medical care, obstructive jaundice can lead to digestive disorders and serious complications such as liver failure, sepsis, and more. According to statistics, 68% of patients with this condition are male.

Surgical treatment of mechanical jaundice in Dnipro 1

Causes of Obstructive Jaundice

The main cause of impaired bile flow in obstructive jaundice is a blockage in the bile ducts. This condition may arise due to congenital abnormalities such as liver or gallbladder malformations, bile duct hypoplasia, and others. In most cases, however, obstructive jaundice is an acquired condition, with the following common causes:

Gallstones
Inflammatory processes (e.g., cholecystitis)
Adhesions or strictures
Tumor growth
Pancreatic cyst
Parasitic infestations

In 67% of patients over 40, obstructive jaundice results from tumor development. In individuals under 30, the most common cause is gallstone disease (29%).

Symptoms of Jaundice

Bile duct obstruction leads to both internal and external symptoms. The mechanical blockage increases bile absorption into the bloodstream, causing:

Yellowing of the skin and sclera
Pale-colored stool
Dark urine
Itching of the skin
Low blood pressure
Red blood cell destruction due to bile acids
White blood cell destruction
Development of liver and kidney failure

Prolonged absence of bile in the intestines leads to:

Reduced intestinal tone and motility
Impaired absorption of fats and vitamins (bile emulsifies fats for absorption)
Abdominal discomfort and pain

Additional symptoms include weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, frequent headaches, and tachycardia. In cases of cancer, patients may experience rapid weight loss, a sign of a malignant process.

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Diagnosis of Obstructive Jaundice

Accurate diagnosis is essential for identifying the cause of obstructive jaundice and choosing the appropriate treatment. Doctors determine the stage of the pathological process and locate the blockage using:

Complete blood count and biochemical blood tests (increased direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol)
Urinalysis
Liver and gallbladder ultrasound
MSCT (multislice computed tomography)
Retrograde cholangiopancreatography (an invasive procedure to visualize the obstruction)

Additionally, a gastroenterologist collects a detailed medical history and conducts a physical examination using:

Patient interview
Liver palpation
Percussion
Auscultation
Oral cavity inspection
Sclera inspection, etc.

If necessary, consultations with related specialists (hematologist, infectious disease specialist, surgeon) may be required.

Surgical Treatment of Obstructive Jaundice

Successful treatment involves eliminating the obstruction hindering bile flow, typically through surgery. Most operations are planned. At the "Helyos" Clinic, surgeons use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques to treat obstructive jaundice. Depending on the underlying cause, the following procedures may be performed:

Cholecystectomy
Removal of stones from bile ducts
Stenting or drainage of the ducts
Tumor removal
Cyst removal
Elimination of parasites
Adhesion dissection or stricture correction

Laparoscopic surgery involves using micro-instruments through small incisions in the abdominal wall. This method minimizes trauma to tissues and organs, enhances treatment effectiveness, and shortens the recovery period.

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Preoperative Preparation

Before surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. Initially, they consult with a therapist and surgeon who prescribe the following tests:

Complete blood count
Urinalysis
Coagulation tests
Hepatitis B and C screening
Wassermann test
Liver function tests and bilirubin
HIV test and others

Functional assessments are also required before surgery, including:

ECG
Chest X-ray (fluorography)
Abdominal ultrasound
Blood pressure and pulse monitoring
Biopsy (if indicated)

Consultations with related specialists and additional diagnostic procedures may be recommended. A light diet and bowel cleansing are advised before surgery.

How Long Does Surgery for Obstructive Jaundice Take?

The duration depends on the underlying cause and complexity of the procedure. On average, surgery lasts 1–3 hours. Afterward, the patient is monitored in the recovery ward under medical supervision.

Advantages of Surgical Treatment at Helyos Clinic

The Helyos Medical Center is equipped with modern technology for performing surgeries of any complexity. Our physicians take a comprehensive and personalized approach to every patient, carefully diagnose the condition, and select the most effective treatment strategy.

In Dnipro, Helyos Clinic’s team consists of highly experienced doctors who use the latest techniques and consistently achieve excellent treatment results. Each hospital room is fully equipped to ensure the patient's comfort before and after surgery.