Limy bile: a case of obstructive jaundice and review of 26 cases.

BACKGROUND: A number of reports on limy bile have been published but obstructive jaundice due to limy bile is quite rare. We report a case of obstructive jaundice due to limy bile and review 26 cases of limy bile diagnosed in our institution. CASE OUTLINE: A 39-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with epigastric pain and jaundice. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed limy bile in the common bile duct and a gallbladder stone with biliary obstruction. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was performed. The limy bile drained out through the catheter over a few weeks. Cholecystectomy and choledochotomy with choledocholithotomy were subsequently performed. DISCUSSION: The strategy for managing patients with limy bile is individualized based on symptoms, the clinical conditions, and the location of the limy bile, and any associated biliary stones or lesions causing cystic duct obstruction.