When does postoperative cholestasis typically present after surgery?

Postoperative cholestasis generally presents 2 to 3 days after surgery. This timing aligns with the body's response to surgical stress, particularly in cases involving procedures that could affect bile flow, such as those involving the liver, gallbladder, or biliary tract. During the early postoperative period, hormonal and metabolic changes occur, which can slow liver function and disrupt bile production and secretion.

In patients who develop cholestasis, this might manifest as jaundice due to the buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream, alongside other signs such as pruritus. Recognizing that this condition typically arises around the 2 to 3-day mark post-surgery can help clinicians monitor for potential complications more effectively.

It's important to consider alternate timelines: while cholestasis presenting one day postoperatively would be quite early and less common, later presentations, such as 1 week or 2 weeks post-op, might indicate other underlying processes or complications and are less typical for straightforward postoperative cholestasis.