What you may notice
Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin reflects a build-up of bilirubin. Dark urine, pale stools or itching may accompany it. Jaundice is a sign to investigate, not a diagnosis of a blocked bile duct by itself.
Bile ducts beneath the liver
What could cause it?
Possible causes include hepatitis or other liver injury, increased breakdown of red blood cells, and obstruction by a bile-duct stone, scar or tumour. Some inherited conditions cause milder bilirubin changes. Blood tests and ultrasound, with other imaging when needed, help distinguish these pathways.
When to contact a doctor
New jaundice needs prompt medical assessment. Jaundice with fever, shivering, upper-abdominal pain, confusion or marked weakness may indicate serious infection and needs urgent hospital care. Collapse or severe illness is an emergency: call 108. Painless jaundice with weight loss also needs prompt investigation.
How interventional radiology may help
Liver disease without obstruction is treated according to its cause. If bile drainage is blocked, endoscopic treatment may be appropriate; IR can place a drain or stent through the skin in selected situations. Drainage may help relieve obstruction or infection while definitive treatment is planned. It is not a treatment for every cause of yellow eyes.
Further reading: detailed assessment and treatment options
Patient information sources
References are in English.
Educational information, not a diagnosis. The causes listed are examples, not a complete list. Tests and treatment depend on your individual assessment.