Obstructive jaundice leads to bile stasis and increased pressure in the biliary tree, which creates a favorable environment for bacterial infection. This condition often results in ascending cholangitis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the bile ducts. Prompt recognition and treatment are critical to prevent sepsis. Other complications like pancreatitis or hepatic abscess are less directly linked to biliary obstruction, and portal hypertension is usually related to chronic liver diseases rather than acute obstruction.

Reference: Schwartz's Principles of Surgery, 11th Edition.