[Diagnosis and treatment of extrahepatic cholestasis]

One of the most common causes of extrahepatic cholestasis is bile duct obstruction by gallstones, bile duct strictures in chronic pancreatitis involving the head of the pancreas, or tumors in the region of the pancreas, bile ducts or gallbladder. While choledocholithiasis usually gives rise to classical clinical signs (obstructive jaundice, typical pain, and fever in the case of cholangitis), tumors often become symptomatic only when far advanced. In addition to laboratory parameters, diagnostic imaging techniques, in part with a therapeutic intervention option (ERCP), are of central importance. The aim of treatment is the elimination of the obstruction and, if possible the underlying disease.