Re: Jauntice

Posted By HFHSM.D.-rf on January 18, 1999 at 12:14:54:

In Reply to: Jauntice posted by Grace on January 13, 1999 at 09:39:39:






My father's skin began turning yellow 10 days ago. CT scan results showed a blockage and bile was backing up.  Two days ago he began seeing blood in his stool.  Yesterday he passed out and was rushed to the hospital.  He received 2 pints of blood because he was bleeding internally.  My questions are:
    -  How long does it usually take to recover from a blood transfusion of that amount?
    -  What can be done about the blockage?
    -  How serious is the bile back up?  
    -  How long can a person have a blockage like that?
Thanking you.
_____
Dear Grace,
The important questions to be answered are 1) Why is thew bile duct blocked and 2) Why did he bleed and is there a connection with the blocked bile ducts/
Blockage of the bile ducts can result from gall stones, chronic pancreatitis or tumors.  It is necessary to do an ERCP(endoscopic study) or PTC (radiologic study) to determine the site and cause of obstruction as well as to treat (decompress) the duct.  Prognosis is dependent on the cause of obstruction.
Internal bleeding is often not associated with bile duct blockage unless there is a history of large amounts of alcohol used.  The effects of the bleed should resolve quickly after the transfusions.  It is necessary to again know the cause of the bleeding and therefore an upper endoscopy is needed.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Ask specific questions to your personal physician.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: jaundice, bleeding
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