It is an inflammation of the duct that transports bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines.
The main cause is a bacterial infection, caused in most cases by a stone that obstructs the duct through which the bile circulates.
The most common symptoms are fever, yellowing of the skin and abdominal pain.
The diagnosis is clinical by interrogation and physical examination. The suspected diagnosis will be confirmed with blood tests and an imaging test, usually ultrasound and/or computed tomography.
Treatment includes fasting, correct intravenous hydration and antibiotherapy. If it does not evolve correctly it will be necessary to drain the biliary tract endoscopically (retrograde cholangiopancreatography), by placing a drain through the skin (percutaneous biliary drainage) or by surgery.
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