Jaundice is often associated with liver disease, but in many adults, the real cause can be a blockage in the bile ducts. This is especially common when gallstones slip out of the gallbladder and obstruct the bile flow.
In this blog, Dr. Rajeev Kapoor, an expert in laparoscopic and gastrointestinal surgery, shares a real case of obstructive jaundice caused by a gallstone in the common bile duct (CBD).
This article explains the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment in simple, accurate, and SEO-friendly language for patients seeking clarity.
What Is Obstructive Jaundice?
Obstructive jaundice occurs when the liver produces bile normally, but the bile cannot drain due to a blockage in the bile ducts. As a result, bilirubin builds up in the blood, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Common search terms related to this condition include:
- Jaundice due to gallstones
- Blocked bile duct symptoms
- CBD stone treatment
- Choledocholithiasis management
- ERCP for bile duct stones
Case Summary: Jaundice Caused by a Blocked Bile Duct
A 30-year-old woman visited the clinic with:
- Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Mild right upper abdominal discomfort, especially after meals
These are classic symptoms of obstructive jaundice.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Dr. Rajeev Kapoor performed a detailed assessment:
1. Blood Tests
Her reports showed:
- High bilirubin
- High ALP and GGT
These markers suggested a bile duct obstruction.
2. Ultrasound Abdomen
Ultrasound revealed:
- Gallstones in the gallbladder
- A dilated common bile duct, indicating a possible blockage
3. MRCP Scan
An MRCP confirmed one stone lodged in the common bile duct — a condition known as choledocholithiasis.
This stone was preventing bile from draining into the intestine, causing jaundice.
Final Diagnosis: Obstructive Jaundice Due to Choledocholithiasis
This means a gallstone migrated from the gallbladder to the CBD and got stuck, causing the bile to back up and resulting in jaundice.
Treatment Plan for Jaundice Caused by Gallstones
Dr. Rajeev Kapoor followed the globally recommended two-step approach:
Step 1: ERCP to Remove the Blocked Stone
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to:
- Locate the stone
- Remove it from the bile duct
- Restore normal bile drainage
This is the standard first-line treatment for CBD stones.
Step 2: Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
Once the jaundice improves and liver enzymes settle, the patient will undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder.
This prevents the formation of new stones and reduces the risk of future bile duct blockage.
Recovery and Prognosis
Most patients recover fully once the obstruction is relieved.
After ERCP:
- Bilirubin levels start to drop
- Jaundice begins to improve
- Abdominal discomfort resolves
Gallbladder removal then ensures long-term safety and prevents recurrence.
Key Takeaways for Patients Searching Online
- Jaundice is not always due to liver disease — gallstones can cause it too
- A blocked bile duct (CBD stone) is a treatable condition
- ERCP + laparoscopic gallbladder removal is the safest and most effective approach
- Early diagnosis helps prevent complications like cholangitis and pancreatitis
