Ultrasound and fluoroscopy guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in patients with nondilated bile ducts

Background: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and success of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) using a combination of ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance in patients with nondilated bile ducts. Methods: Between January 2005 and July 2007, 50 patients with nondilated bile ducts underwent ultrasound-and- fluoroscopy guided PTBD. The underlying disease processes were divided into biliary obstruction (n = 38) and bile leakage (n = 12). We used ultrasound guidance when puncturing a bile duct and during cholangiography. We punctured along the course of the targeted bile duct or portal vein when the bile duct was not visualized, which we termed the "parallel technique.'' This method made it possible for us to cannulate the peripheral bile duct successfully, even when its course was not visualized well by sonography. We then installed a drainage catheter under fluoroscopy guidance. The technical success and complications of the procedure were evaluated. Results: Neither significant complications nor technical failures were observed. There were only four minor complications: transient hemobilia (n = 3) and fever (n = 1). Conclusions: Ultrasound-and-fluoroscopy guided PTBD in patients with nondilated bile ducts is a safe, feasible, and efficient procedure for the palliation of biliary obstruction and leakage.