What is a common sign of a bile leak after surgery?

A common sign of a bile leak after surgery is abdominal pain occurring within a few days post-operatively. This pain may be localized to the upper right quadrant, where the liver and biliary tree are situated, and may be associated with fever, jaundice, or ascites in more advanced cases. A bile leak typically presents after procedures involving the biliary system, such as cholecystectomy or liver resection, and it's important for surgeons to monitor for this complication due to its potential to lead to further issues such as infection or peritonitis.

In this context, while severe itching might suggest cholestasis or other liver issues, it is not a direct indicator of a bile leak. Persistent constipation does not correlate with bile leakage, which typically would not cause such a symptom. Rapid weight gain is not associated with bile leakage either; rather, it could be related to fluid retention or other post-operative complications. Hence, the abdominal pain observed three days after surgery is the most fitting indicator of a possible bile leak.