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Bile duct injury — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Bile duct injuryUSMLE Step 3

A 65-year-old man develops jaundice 2 days after a technically difficult cholecystectomy. Alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin are elevated. Imaging shows biliary dilation proximal to the common bile duct. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's findings?

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Correct answer: D — Iatrogenic common bile duct injury or obstruction

Post-cholecystectomy jaundice with proximal ductal dilation suggests bile duct obstruction or injury.

Reference: SAGES biliary surgery guidance; USMLE Step 3 Content Outline