Surgery>>>>>Patient Safety
Question 20#

The primary cause of hyperbilirubinemia in the surgical patient is:

A. Sepsis
B. Hematoma from trauma
C. Cholestasis
D. Increased unconjugated bilirubin due to hemolysis

Correct Answer is C

Comment:

Hyperbilirubinemia in the surgical patient can be a complex problem. Cholestasis makes up the majority of causes for hyperbilirubinemia, but other mechanisms of hyperbilirubinemia include reabsorption of blood ( eg, hematoma from trauma), decreased bile excretion (eg, sepsis), increased unconjugated bilirubin due to hemolysis, hyperthyroidism, and impaired excretion due to congenital abnormalities or acquired disease. Errors in surgery that cause hyperbilirubinemia largely involve missed or iatrogenic injuries.