Obstructive jaundice is a critical clinical condition with the potential to progress rapidly to liver failure if not promptly diagnosed and managed. Choledocholithiasis, the most common cause, often presents diagnostic challenges compounded by variable symptom onset and healthcare access limitations. This report details the case of a 42-year-old obese female who experienced severe abdominal pain and symptoms indicative of biliary obstruction but faced difficulties obtaining timely primary care. Subsequent evaluation in a private clinic enabled urgent imaging and laboratory assessments, revealing obstructive jaundice. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) confirmed a bile duct stone, and therapeutic intervention via Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) successfully removed the obstruction and placed a biliary stent. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered to prevent infectious complications. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in healthcare accessibility and the importance of rapid, coordinated diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. It underscores the efficacy of MRCP as the diagnostic modality of choice and the critical role of timely treatment pathways in preventing progression to liver failure, thereby contributing valuable insights into optimizing management strategies for obstructive jaundice in contemporary clinical practice.
Tahir et al. (2025) studied this question.