What is "cholestasis"

n. (context pathology English) The suppression of the flow of bile caused by an obstruction associated with the liver

n. a condition in which little or no bile is secreted or the flow of bile into the digestive tract is obstructed [syn: acholia]

Cholestasis is a condition where bile cannot flow from the liver to the duodenum. The two basic distinctions are an obstructive type of cholestasis where there is a mechanical blockage in the duct system that can occur from a gallstone or malignancy, and metabolic types of cholestasis which are disturbances in bile formation that can occur because of genetic defects or acquired as a side effect of many medications.