The mechanisms of the bilirubin formation, transport, conjugation and biliary excretion have been extensively studied in the recent past, thereby allowing a more complete and rational approach to the old, but still somehow unknown symptom of jaundice and cholestasis. Based on the most recent physiologic and biochemical data, jaundice and cholestasis have been revisited during and international meeting. This report summarizes what has been established in the field but, most importantly highlights what is still unknown and requires further investigation.