Final answer:
Untreated gallstones blocking the bile ducts can lead to jaundice, characterized by yellow skin and eye white discoloration due to bilirubin accumulation. Additionally, they can cause pancreatitis and are associated with chronic biliary conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the effects of untreated gallstones that block the bile ducts is jaundice, which is characterized by the yellowing of the skin and the whiteness of the eyes. Gallstones, which are predominantly composed of cholesterol, can block the bile duct, preventing the excretion of bile. This leads to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, causing jaundice. Moreover, gallstones can also cause inflammation, infection, or contribute to the development of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas.
If surgical removal is needed due to complications like infection or inflammation of the gallbladder, it is comforting to know that the liver still produces bile and digestion can continue, although the bile will be more dilute and not as closely regulated with food intake. Chronic conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis or primary biliary cirrhosis also relate to bile duct dysfunction.