Ascending Cholangitis

Surgery

Overview

Definition

Bacterial infection of the biliary tract.

Epidemiology

Varies globally. Often age and lifestyle dependent.

Etiology & Risk Factors

  • Biliary obstruction (stone, stricture, tumor).

Clinical Symptoms

  • Charcot's triad (Fever
  • RUQ pain
  • Jaundice)
  • Reynolds pentad (+ Hypotension
  • confusion).

Clinical Approach

Diagnosis

  • Ultrasound/CT
  • ERCP.

Management

  • Emergent ERCP for decompression
  • IV antibiotics.

Complications

  • Septic shock
  • death.