Posthepatische
Posthepatic, in medical usage, describes conditions in which bile flow is obstructed after it leaves the liver. The term is often used to denote obstructive jaundice caused by blockage of the biliary tract, most commonly in the extrahepatic ducts (such as the common bile duct) or at the level of the ampulla, though large intrahepatic ducts can also be involved. It is contrasted with prehepatic jaundice, due to increased production of bilirubin from hemolysis, and hepatic jaundice, due to liver parenchymal disease.
Pathophysiologically, posthepatic obstruction prevents the excretion of conjugated bilirubin into the intestine. This leads to conjugated
Common causes include gallstone disease with choledocholithiasis, biliary strictures (benign or malignant, including postoperative strictures), pancreatic
Diagnosis starts with liver function tests showing cholestatic patterns, followed by imaging. Ultrasound is typically first-line,