Bile Ducts — Biliary Drainage and Stenting

Obstructive jaundice is caused by an obstruction (stone, biliary sludge, a mass, external compression) that prevents bile from flowing into the duodenum. When the cause is a stone or sludge, ERCP is the first choice. In jaundice caused by a malignant mass, and when ERCP is not possible or in hilar obstruction, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage or stenting is used: the bile ducts are accessed through the skin with a thin needle, the obstruction is crossed and a drainage catheter or metal stent is placed.

• Under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance, without a surgical incision or endoscopy
• Performed under local anaesthesia or sedation
• The drainage catheter can be removed; a metal stent stays permanently