Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is a minimally invasive procedure used to drain bile from the liver when the normal drainage pathways are blocked. The procedure involves inserting a small needle through the skin and into the liver to access the bile ducts. A wire is passed and then a catheter is placed over the wire and into the bile ducts to drain the bile into a collection bag outside the body.
PTBD can be performed with or without biliary stenting. Biliary stenting involves the placement of a plastic or metal stent into the bile duct to help keep it open and allow for improved drainage of bile.
PTBD with biliary stenting is typically performed in patients with blockages of the bile duct due to cancer, inflammation, or scarring. The stent helps to keep the bile duct open and allows bile to flow freely, reducing symptoms such as jaundice, pain and nausea.
PTBD without biliary stenting may be used in patients with benign (non-cancerous) blockages, or in cases where the patient is not a candidate for stenting. In these cases, the catheter may be left in place for a short period of time to allow the blockage to resolve on its own, or to allow for further diagnostic testing or treatment.
Complications of PTBD can include bleeding, infection and blockage of the catheter or stent. Your healthcare provider will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you before it is performed.