What Causes Cholestatic Jaundice?

Cholestasis or cholestatic jaundice is a decreased flow of bile from the liver. The most obvious symptom of this condition is yellowing of the skin. The most common cause of the condition is gallstones that block the flow of bile from the liver into the gallbladder. Other conditions may also cause the blockage and result in cholestatic jaundice.

Gallstones

• Gallstones form in the gallbladder when there is an imbalance of bile salts and cholesterol. The reasons for the imbalance of bile salts and cholesterol are unknown, but there are some risk factors that make it more likely that gallstones will develop. Overweight patients or those who lose a large amount of weight quickly are at risk for developing gallstones.
  A diet high in fat is also responsible for the formation of stones in some patients. Bile ducts that remain blocked without treatment could result in a very serious condition.

Tumors

• Tumors of the bile duct also cause blockage of the bile ducts. Tumors of the bile ducts can be cancerous or benign. The blockage results in jaundice or yellowing of the skin. Pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, weight loss and itchy skin are symptoms of bile duct tumors.
  Over time, the symptoms of bile duct blockage caused by tumors will get worse.

Cysts

• Cysts of the bile duct are called choledochal cysts. This is caused when there is an abnormal enlargement of the bile duct. Surgery is commonly used to treat cysts of the bile duct. It is common to remove a part of the bile duct to remove the abnormal enlargement of the duct. Removal of the cyst or section of the duct also prevents the future risk of bile duct cancer.

Inflammation

• Cholangitis or bile duct infection also leads to blockage resulting in cholestatic jaundice. Jaundice is present in patients with inflammation and infection of the bile ducts along with fever. Liver enzyme tests and sonography are used to diagnose the presence of inflammation of the bile ducts.

Gallbladder Surgery

• Gallbladder removal can also cause damage to the common bile duct. When the common bile duct is damaged during surgery, a blockage may result. Bile that is not able to flow from the liver to the intestines after the removal of the gallbladder also results in cholestatic jaundice.
  Gallbladder surgery is performed when the gallbladder is diseased and has gallstones.