Obstructive jaundice

Obstructive jaundice
The liver is connected to the small intestine via the bile duct system. Bile is formed in the liver, and then carried through these channels to the gut. Anything that causes a blockage of the bile ducts will stop bile flow towards the intestine. This will lead to jaundice and if the obstruction persists, permanent damage to the liver.

There are a many causes of bile duct blockage ranging from worms, gallstones, congenital defects of the bile ducts or progressive narrowing of the ducts as seen in biliary atresia.

Your child will require assessment by a paediatric surgeon to establish the cause of the obstruction and surgical intervention to relieve it.