Hepatorrhea

/ˌhɛpətəˈriːə/ noun

Definition

An abnormal discharge or flow of bile from the liver or bile ducts.

Etymology

From Greek 'hepar' (liver) + 'rhoia' (flow, discharge). This rare medical term describes pathological bile leakage, combining anatomical and pathological terminology.

Kelly Says

While 'hepatorrhea' is an archaic term rarely used in modern medicine, bile leaks are serious—if bile escapes the ducts into the peritoneal cavity, it can cause a life-threatening infection called biliary peritonitis.

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