DIAGNOSTIC MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH JAUNDICE

Abstract

In spite of recent advances in our knowledge of hepatobiliary disease, a significant proportion of patients with jaundice still present a baffling problem in differential diagnosis. The importance of this problem is accentuated by the necessity of a decision in a large majority of such cases as to whether surgical intervention is indicated. For this reason we have analyzed 100 recent cases of jaundice which presented problems in differential diagnosis and in which the diagnosis was definitely established by operative intervention, autopsy or clinical course (table 1). Data from the history, physical examination and laboratory study of these patients which proved of practical diagnostic value will be contrasted with data which are usually considered pertinent but which contributed little to the solution of the problem in our patients. Finally, since a certain number of cases defy all attempts at clinical differentiation, we shall outline a program for the effective handling