Biliary obstruction refers to the blockage of bile flow from the bile ducts in the liver to the small intestine. The spelling of this word is "ˈbɪljəri əbˈstrʌkʃən" in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound and the stress is on the second syllable. The word "biliary" starts with the sound "bɪl", which is followed by the sound "jər" and ends with the sound "i". The second part of the word, "obstruction", is pronounced as "əbˈstrʌkʃən" with the stress on the second syllable.
Biliary obstruction refers to the blockage or partial blockage of the bile ducts, which are the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps in the breakdown and absorption of fats. The obstruction can occur at any point along the biliary system, including the common bile duct, cystic duct, or intrahepatic ducts.
There are various causes of biliary obstruction, including gallstones, tumors, strictures (narrowing), infections, or inflammation in the bile ducts. Symptoms may vary depending on the severity and location of the obstruction, but common signs include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and nausea.
Repeated episodes of biliary obstruction can lead to complications such as cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), or liver damage. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further complications.
Diagnosis of biliary obstruction involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and imaging tests such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Treatment options depend on the underlying cause but may include medication to dissolve gallstones, endoscopic procedures to remove obstructions, or surgery to remove the blockage or repair the biliary system.
In summary, biliary obstruction is a condition characterized by the partial or complete hindrance of the bile flow, often caused by gallstones, tumors, or inflammation. It can lead to several symptoms and potential complications, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The term "biliary obstruction" is composed of two main components: "biliary" and "obstruction".
The word "biliary" is derived from the Latin "bilis", which means "bile". "Bile" refers to the yellowish digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.
The term "obstruction" comes from the Latin word "obstructio", which means "blocking". It refers to the action or process of blocking or obstructing a passage or pathway.
Therefore, "biliary obstruction" refers to the blocking or obstruction of the flow of bile through the bile ducts, which can occur due to various reasons such as gallstones, tumors, strictures, or other abnormalities.