Sappikivitukos

Sappikivitukos refers to a blockage in the bile ducts caused by gallstones. The bile ducts are a network of tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, where it aids in digestion. When gallstones, which are hardened deposits of digestive fluid, form in the gallbladder or bile ducts, they can obstruct the flow of bile. This obstruction can lead to a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment found in bile, causing jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Symptoms of sappikivitukos can vary but often include intense abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant, which may radiate to the back or shoulder. Nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills are also common. The severity of symptoms depends on the location and duration of the blockage. A complete blockage can lead to serious complications such as infection of the bile ducts (cholangitis) or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Diagnosis typically involves medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. Blood tests may also be performed to check for elevated bilirubin and liver enzymes. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and may include medication to dissolve gallstones, endoscopic procedures like ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) to remove stones or open the ducts, or surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).