Jaundice: applying lessons from physiology

Jaundice is a common presentation in medical and surgical gastroenterology practice. Knowledge of the physiology of bilirubin metabolism will help the clinician to understand the mechanisms of development of jaundice. This along with clinical evaluation, laboratory investigation and non-invasive imaging will help when making a firm diagnosis. Further management may require advanced imaging and/or invasive techniques, which should be chosen in the light of the given clinical scenario based on the risk-benefit ratio, local availability and expertise.