Icterus Treatment in India

Aarav Williams, a 58-year-old retired construction...

Aarav Williams, a 58-year-old retired construction supervisor, had been enjoying his retirement with his wife and grandchildren. Over three weeks, he noticed his skin and the whites of his eyes turning a deep yellow, accompanied by dark urine and severe, unrelenting itching that kept him awake at night. He felt fatigued and had lost his appetite. His primary care physician, alarmed by the rapid onset and severity of the jaundice (icterus), referred him urgently to a gastroenterologist, Dr. Chen. Dr. Chen explained that Aarav's icterus was likely due to a blockage in his bile ducts, preventing bilirubin drainage. She recommended an urgent ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) to locate and clear any obstruction, suspecting a possible stone or stricture. During the ERCP, under sedation, a large gallstone was found lodged in his common bile duct and was successfully removed with a small incision and a stent placement. Post-procedure, Aarav was monitored for a day. The itching subsided dramatically within 48 hours, and his jaundice began to fade over the next week. Follow-up scans showed the stent was working, and his liver function tests normalized. Emotionally, Aarav was terrified before the procedure, fearing liver cancer like his father had. The rapid diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment brought immense relief. After recovery, he felt grateful and regained his zest for life, planning a family camping trip he had put on hold.