Severe Postoperative Hyperbilirubinemia Simulating Obstructive Jaundice

MILD or transient jaundice has been observed to follow a variety of surgical procedures.1 2 3 4 5 In previously reported cases the serum bilirubin levels have generally been less than 10 mg. per 100 ml., and jaundice has persisted for only a few days. In most, the jaundice has been attributed to the effects of surgery on the liver and to multiple blood transfusions. In some of the more severe cases morphologic study has also disclosed intrahepatic cholestasis.6 In the 4 cases reported below, marked jaundice developed after surgery for control of massive hemorrhage into body tissues. Each patient also received many blood . . .