What is the most common result of prolonged obstruction of the biliary system?

The most common result of prolonged obstruction of the biliary system is hepatomegaly. When the biliary system is obstructed, bile cannot flow properly from the liver to the intestine. This obstruction leads to an accumulation of bile within the liver, causing hepatocyte swelling and liver cell damage. The resulting increase in liver size, known as hepatomegaly, is typically the body's response to the increased pressure and buildup of bile.

Long-term obstruction can lead to further liver complications, but the immediate and direct effect of prolonged obstruction is an enlarged liver as it struggles to cope with the impaired biliary drainage. It's critical to recognize that other conditions listed may arise due to secondary complications of biliary obstruction, but they are not the primary or most common outcome. Understanding this mechanism is essential for diagnosing and managing conditions related to biliary obstruction.