Percutaneous Biliary Drainage

Bile is a substance made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It helps with digestion. Normally, bile passes out of the liver through a series of ducts (natural tubes). When a duct becomes blocked, or a hole or tear forms in a duct, bile can back up into the liver. Biliary drainage is a procedure to drain bile from the liver. The procedure is done by a specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist.

Before the Procedure

Follow any instructions you are given on how to prepare, including:

• Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the procedure.

• Tell the technologist what medications, herbs, or supplements you take; if you are, or may be, pregnant; or if you are allergic to contrast medium (x-ray dye) or other medications.

During the Procedure

• You will change into a hospital gown and lie on an x-ray table.

• An IV (intravenous) line will be put into a vein to give you fluids and medications. You may be given medication to help you relax and make you feel sleepy.

• The skin on your stomach is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.

• A needle is inserted into the liver. Contrast medium is injected into the ducts. This helps the duct system show clearly on x-rays.

• A catheter (thin, flexible tube) is inserted and moved into the liver. Using x-ray or ultrasound pictures as a guide, the radiologist moves the catheter into the duct that needs to be drained.

• Bile drains through the catheter out of your body. A bag is attached to the end of the catheter to capture the bile as it drains.

• During the procedure, it may be possible for the radiologist to use the catheter to clear the blockage. In this case, a stent (metal cylinder) may then be placed in the duct to help keep it open. This allows the catheter to be removed, usually at a later time.

After the Procedure

• A slight fever is normal for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

• You will likely stay in the hospital overnight or longer.

• Care for the catheter and drainage site as directed.

• Talk to your doctor about how long the catheter will need to stay in place.