Hepatobiliary system (HBS): what it is, common diseases and their features

The hepatobiliary system (HBS) includes the liver, gallbladder and biliary tract. It is responsible for the production of bile, and is involved in digestion as well as metabolism. GBS plays an important role in processing food and removing toxins from the body. Let's consider what are the main diseases of the hepatobiliary system.

Gallstone disease

Stones of various sizes can form in the gallbladder. They cause pain, inflammation and sometimes block the bile ducts. They usually form from cholesterol or bilirubin crystals that are in the bile. Risk factors:

• Cholesterol imbalance.
• Inadequate bile excretion.
• Gallbladder inflammation.
• Eating style.
• Physical activity level, etc.

Often unpleasant sensations occur after eating fatty or spicy foods. There is also pain with some types of physical activity. Blockage of the bile and ducts can lead to removal

of that organ.

Hepatitis

These are inflammatory diseases of the liver. In this case, the skin, sclera of the eyes and mucous membranes often become yellowish due to increased bilirubin in the blood. Causes of hepatitis:

• Viruses.
• Alcohol abuse.
• Drug poisoning.
• Autoimmune processes, etc.

Hepatitis leads to impaired digestion of food. The function of other organs deteriorates. The liver may collapse.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scarring. This leads to impaired liver function and can progress to liver failure. Cirrhosis can lead to jaundice, abdominal enlargement, fatigue, and other serious symptoms.

Liver Failure

Liver failure is a condition in which the liver is unable to perform its functions sufficiently. This often leads to serious complications. Liver failure can be manifested by increased fatigue, swelling, jaundiced skin and sclerae, poor wound healing, bleeding, and other signs.

Cholestasis

Cholestasis is a disorder of bile excretion. It can lead to its stagnation and increased content of harmful substances in the body. Cholestasis occurs for various reasons, including mechanical blockage of the bile ducts or liver dysfunction. It is manifested by itching, fatigue, abdominal discomfort and other symptoms.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a malignant tumor that develops from liver cells. It is one of the most dangerous liver diseases and is often detected at late stages. It is asymptomatic for a long time.

• Chronic hepatitis B and C.
• Cirrhosis.
• Alcohol abuse.
• Fatty liver dystrophy.
• Hepatitis D and E.

Liver cancer can be detected through physical examination, laboratory tests, medical scans, and biopsies. These methods can detect liver enlargement, abnormal levels of certain markers in the blood, tumors or changes in liver tissue. This helps in diagnosing and determining the type of cancer to prescribe appropriate treatment.

Only a physician with experience and expertise can properly diagnose hepatobiliary conditions. Many of these conditions have similar symptoms and only professional medical analysis, including laboratory tests and examinations, can accurately determine the cause and choose the most appropriate treatment. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment can be dangerous and increase the risk of complications.