by 
The Curious Bag
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Obstructive jaundice occurs when the bile ducts leading from the liver into the upper intestine are blocked allowing for a buildup of bilirubin in the blood, which causes the yellowing of skin and eyes associated with the condition.
Symptoms
Along with yellow skin and eyes, sleepiness, fatigue and tiredness, dark urine, light colored feces, general sickness and dry, itchy skin are common symptoms of obstructive jaundice.
Causes
Tumors in the pancreas or bile duct and gallstones are common causes of obstructive jaundice.
Considerations
Cancer, parasites, scarring from surgery, inflammation of the bile duct and malformed bile ducts in infancy are more serious or rarer causes of obstructive jaundice.
Diagnosis
Physical exam, along with an ultrasound or CAT scan, are performed to determine the exact cause of obstructive jaundice.
Treatment
Treatment for obstructive jaundice includes putting a stent in the blocked bile duct, which lets bile flow unobstructed from the liver to the upper intestine. Other treatment options include percutaneous biliary drainage, in which a small cut is made in the skin over the liver and a tube placed inside to allow blocked up bile to drain from the body; surgery removes any damaged areas of the body.
Source:
North of England Cancer Network
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