Patient Care | Conditions

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About Jaundice

Jaundice refers to the liver not functioning properly and being able to cope with the demands placed on it by the body. It can cause a “yellowing” of the skin, or may occasionally just be detected on blood tests. There are three main different types of jaundice. The HPB unit deals with obstructive jaundice (or post-hepatic jaundice). This refers to a blockage at some point of the bile drainage of the liver. The treatment of jaundice consists of a procedure (often telescopic) to insert a “stent” (a tube) to open up the drainage of the liver. In some people, this needs to be followed up by further surgery (occasionally major surgery) to treat the underlying cause. Gallstones are the most common cause of obstructive jaundice. However, many HPB cancers (such as pancreatic cancer) can also present with jaundice as the initial symptom.

   Symptoms  

Typically, the most common signs of jaundice are:

• yellowing of the skin, eyes and mucus membrane (the lining of the body’s passageways and cavities, such as the mouth and nose)
• pale-coloured stools (faeces)
• dark coloured urine

   What causes Jaundice?

• Gallstones obstructing the bile duct system
• Pancreatic Cancer – An uncommon type of cancer that develops inside the pancreas (a gland that helps with the digestion of food). An ERCP may be needed to treat this. 
• Gallbladder Cancer or Bile Duct Cancer, which are both relatively rare types of cancer
• Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the Pancreas, which can be either Acute Pancreatitis (the inflammation only lasts a few days) or Chronic Pancreatitis (the inflammation lasts for many years)

   Preventing Measures outlined by NHS Choices 

Certain lifestyle changes may help prevent jaundice. You can do this by maintaining a healthy weight and managing how much alcohol you drink.

 

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