Final answer:
Obstruction of the bile duct can lead to gallbladder inflammation, pain, and jaundice due to the build-up of bile and bilirubin in the liver and bloodstream. Severe cases could require gallbladder removal, which affects the concentration and timing of bile released into the intestine.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the bile duct becomes blocked, typically by gallstones, it leads to a condition where the bile cannot flow into the duodenum and digest fats as it's supposed to. This blockage can cause a build-up of bile which may result in inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), causing significant pain. Additionally, backed-up bile can lead to a liver disorder, as the liver continues to produce bile that has nowhere to go, resulting in a condition known as choluric jaundice.
Bilirubin, a component of bile, may also back up into the blood, leading to jaundice characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. It's essential to address gallbladder issues promptly, as severe cases might necessitate surgical removal of the gallbladder. Although this surgery doesn't significantly affect digestion, bile from the liver will be more dilute, and its delivery to the intestine won't be as well-timed with food consumption.