Digestive Disease Interventions 2022; 06(03): 163-173
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1748168
Review Article

Biliary Obstruction: An Overview

Maria A. Maslyanko
1   The School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
,
Alexander Schlarb
2   Department of Radiology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
,
Mike Romain
3   School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
,
Daniel W. O'Neal
2   Department of Radiology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
,
Charleston R. Powell
4   Weed Army Community Hospital, Staff Internal Medicine Physician, Fort Irwin, California
,
Adam C. Lustig
2   Department of Radiology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.

Abstract

The biliary system plays a vital role in maintaining the physiologic functions of the human body; therefore, biliary obstruction requires prompt diagnosis to prevent further complications and decrease mortality. The vast array of benign and malignant etiologies that cause biliary obstruction make diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making challenging. Ultrasound is often the first diagnostic modality utilized. It is safe, non-invasive, and quick to obtain, but lacks the ability to diagnose the more ominous causes of biliary obstruction. Additional modalities to evaluate the biliary tree include CT, MRI, MRC, MRCP, ERCP, and PTC. This review outlines the importance of the biliary system, provides the clinical presentation of biliary obstruction, and examines the available imaging and treatment modalities and when to appropriately use them.



Publication History

Received: 30 November 2021

Accepted: 17 March 2022

Article published online:
27 April 2022

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