BILIARY TRACT OBSTRUCTION: CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND SURGICAL MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Bile duct obstruction is a medical condition that, when it occurs, can have serious implications for the patient's health. These pathways, which transport bile produced by the liver to the small intestine, play a key role in fat digestion and nutrient absorption. When an obstruction occurs, whether due to gallstones, tumors, inflammation or other causes, the flow of bile is interrupted, leading to a series of clinical manifestations that affect not only the digestive system, but also the individual's general well-being. Surgical management plays a crucial role in the treatment of bile duct obstruction. The main goal is to remove the cause of the obstruction and restore normal bile flow. This may involve removing the gallbladder if the obstruction is caused by gallstones, or more complex procedures such as biliary diversion in cases of more serious obstructions. Objective: to analyze and synthesize the available evidence on the clinical manifestations of bile duct obstruction and the surgical approaches adopted to treat this condition. Methodology: To conduct this systematic literature review, we followed the guidelines established by the PRISMA checklist in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases. Five descriptors were used: "biliary obstruction," "clinical manifestations," "surgical management," "cholestasis," and "bile duct obstruction.". Inclusion criteria: studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, studies that addressed bile duct obstruction in humans. Exclusion criteria: studies that were not available in full text, studies that were not directly related to bile duct obstruction. Results: 10 articles were selected. Analysis of studies revealed that bile duct obstruction can present a variety of clinical manifestations, including jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and changes in feces and urine. These symptoms are often attributed to bile buildup and interruption of bile flow. Surgical management was widely discussed in studies, and different approaches were presented, depending on the cause of the obstruction. Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) was often indicated for cases related to gallstones. In more complex obstructions, procedures such as biliary diversion or bile duct decompression have been described as effective therapeutic options. Conclusion: This systematic literature review provided a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations of bile duct obstruction and the available therapeutic options. Early identification and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications and improve the prognosis of patients with this condition.