What condition does jaundice typically indicate?

Jaundice is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to an accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream. This condition typically indicates an issue with the liver's ability to process bilirubin or a blockage in the bile ducts that prevents bilirubin from being excreted from the liver.

Biliary obstruction is the most direct cause of jaundice, as it includes conditions like gallstones or strictures that impede the normal flow of bile. When bile cannot reach the intestines, bilirubin levels in the blood rise, leading to jaundice.

While hepatic failure can also cause jaundice due to the liver's decreased ability to process bilirubin, the presence of jaundice specifically in the context of biliary obstruction highlights the obstructive nature of the condition. Therefore, when considering jaundice specifically, biliary obstruction serves as a clear and immediate cause.