Abstract
<jats:p>Obstructive jaundice is a syndrome caused by blockage of bile outflow leading to hyperbilirubinemia and potentially complicated by hepatic failure. Modern imaging modalities (ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, etc.) enable effective identification of the level and cause of biliary obstruction. This article presents the capabilities of these methods in diagnosing obstructive jaundice of various etiologies (gallstone disease, pancreatic tumors, cholangiocarcinoma, etc.) and in assessing the severity of liver dysfunction. We describe minimally invasive biliary drainage techniques – endoscopic (ERCP with stenting or nasobiliary drainage) and percutaneous (transhepatic biliary drainage) – as means of biliary decompression that help reduce bilirubin levels and restore liver function. The results of applying these methods are provided, including diagnostic accuracy of imaging studies, dynamics of laboratory parameters after drainage, clinical outcomes and complications. Illustrations of imaging methods (ultrasound, MRI, ERCP) and drainage schemes, as well as tables with clinical data, demonstrate the importance of a comprehensive radiological approach. It is concluded that timely radiological diagnosis and minimally invasive bile duct drainage significantly improve patient prognosis in obstructive jaundice and prevent the development of severe hepatic failure.</jats:p>