ICD-Code Q44.2: Atresia of bile ducts
You have a congenital obstruction of the bile ducts.
Among other things, bile fluid helps with the digestion of fats in food. Furthermore, certain waste materials can be eliminated via the bile fluid. Bile fluid is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. When the bile fluid is needed for digestion, it is guided from the gallbladder into the intestines via a duct.There is one main bile duct and many smaller bile ducts.
Having a congenital obstruction can mean, for example, that the bile ducts close up due to inflammation and scarring during the first few weeks of life. Congenital obstructions can also refer to cases where the bile ducts do not form properly during development in the womb.
An obstruction can occur in one or more bile ducts. The main bile duct may be affected. If bile ducts are blocked, bile can no longer flow into the intestine. This can cause problems with digestion. The stool may have a lighter color than normal. The urine may be particularly dark. If bile builds up in the liver, the skin may also appear to have a yellowish color after birth. Having yellowish skin after birth is normal to a certain extent. However, if bile is no longer able to flow properly due to an obstruction, the skin may appear yellow for longer and the yellow color may be more intense. The whites of the eyes may also appear yellow. If bile builds up in the liver over an extended period, it can cause changes in the liver.
Additional indicator
On medical documents, the ICD code is often appended by letters that indicate the diagnostic certainty or the affected side of the body.
- G: Confirmed diagnosis
- V: Tentative diagnosis
- Z: Condition after
- A: Excluded diagnosis
- L: Left
- R: Right
- B: Both sides
Note
This information is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice from a doctor. If you find an ICD code on a personal medical document, please also note the additional indicator used for diagnostic confidence.Your doctor will assist you with any health-related questions and explain the ICD diagnosis code to you in a direct consultation if necessary.
Source
The explanation of the ICD code was provided by the non-profit organization “Was hab’ ich?” gemeinnützige GmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG).