Spectrum of obstructive jaundice in hilly state of himachal pradesh

Obstructive jaundice is a surgical problem that occurs when there is an obstruction to the passage of bile from the liver cells to the intestine. Obstructive jaundice is a common surgical problem posing a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Obstructive jaundice has vast and variable etiological spectrum. 105 patients with obstructive jaundice were studied at IGMC Shimla Himachal Pradesh. Benign causes are seen in comparatively younger age group compared to malignant causes. The commonest cause in malignant cases was Cholangiocarcinoma with other causes such as carcinoma head of pancreas, gall bladder cancer, periampilaary carcinoma and metastasis at portahepatis. In benign cases the commonest cause was choledocholithiasis followed by benign CBD stricture, choledochal cyst and mirzzi type 4 syndromes. Imaging studies like USG, CECT and MRCP have high diagnostic accuracy and specificity in present setup. Many malignant cases still present late. Early diagnosis and treatment is important in prognosis of obstructive jaundice.