Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) is a medical procedure used to relieve obstruction or drain excess bile from the biliary system. It involves inserting a catheter through the skin into the liver to provide an alternate route for bile flow.
PTBD is performed when there’s a blockage or obstruction in the bile ducts, often caused by conditions like gallstones, tumors, or strictures. The procedure helps to alleviate symptoms, reduce bile buildup, and improve liver function.
Types of Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD)
External Drainage: A catheter is inserted into the biliary ducts to drain bile into an external collection bag. It is used to relieve blockages in the bile ducts caused by stones, tumours, or strictures.
Internal Drainage: A catheter is inserted and advanced through the bile ducts to bypass the blockage and direct bile into the small intestine. This method restores bile flow and is typically used when long-term drainage is not needed.
Internal-External Drainage: A catheter with double drainage is placed, allowing bile to drain both into the intestine and an external collection bag. This method is used for more complex cases, providing both immediate relief and long-term drainage.
Indications of Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage Procedure
Biliary obstruction due to gallstones, tumors, strictures, or other causes
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Elevated bilirubin levels and impaired liver function
Uncontrolled pain or discomfort caused by the obstruction
Purposes of PTBD
Biliary Drainage: To establish a pathway for bile to bypass the obstruction, allowing it to drain directly from the liver into an external drainage bag.
Relief of Symptoms: To alleviate symptoms associated with biliary obstruction, such as jaundice, itching, pain, and discomfort.
Facilitating Treatment: PTBD may be used as a preparatory step before other interventions, such as surgery or stent placement.
Who Treats Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage Procedure?
Medical Professionals: PTBD is typically performed by:
Interventional radiologists
Gastroenterologists
Hepatobiliary surgeons
Preparing for Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD)
Preparing for a PTBD procedure involves several steps to ensure a successful procedure and smoother recovery:
Consultation: Schedule an appointment with your doctor, who will review your medical history, medications, allergies, and any concerns you have.
Medical Evaluation: The doctor will evaluate your condition and review imaging studies to plan the procedure.
Fasting: You may need to fast before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach.
Medication Review: Inform the doctor about medications, especially blood thinners, which may need adjustment.
Blood Tests: Blood tests may be done to ensure you’re in good condition for the procedure.
Allergies: Notify the doctor of any allergies, especially to contrast dye or iodine.
Pregnancy: If pregnant or nursing, discuss adjustments with your doctor.
Arrangements: Arrange transportation as you may not be able to drive after the procedure.
Consent: Sign an informed consent form that outlines risks, benefits, and the procedure.
Questions: Prepare any questions you have about the procedure and recovery for the doctor.
What Happens During PTBD (Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage) Procedure
During a PTBD procedure, the following steps generally take place:
Preparation: You’ll be positioned on an X-ray table, and the puncture site will be cleaned and sterilised.
Local Anesthesia: The area is numbed with local anaesthesia, and sedation may be given for relaxation.
Needle Insertion: A thin needle is inserted into the liver, guided by ultrasound or fluoroscopy.
Contrast Injection: A contrast dye may be injected to help visualise the biliary ducts.
Guide Wire Insertion: A guide wire is passed through the needle into the biliary ducts.
Catheter Placement: A flexible catheter is inserted over the guide wire to the blockage area.
X-ray Confirmation: X-ray images confirm correct catheter placement and bile flow.
External Drainage: The catheter is connected to a drainage bag to collect bile.
Dressing and Care: The puncture site is dressed and secured to prevent infection.
Recovery After PTBD (Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage) Procedure
Recovery after PTBD varies based on individual factors and the extent of the procedure. Here’s a general outline of what to expect:
Observation: You might be monitored for a few hours after the procedure to ensure there are no immediate complications.
Catheter Care: The catheter and drainage bag will be in place after the procedure.
Discomfort: Mild discomfort, soreness, or pain around the puncture site is common and can be managed with pain medications prescribed by your medical professional.
Activity Restrictions: Your medical professional will provide guidelines on physical activities, especially activities that might stress the catheter or puncture site.
Follow-Up: You will likely have a follow-up appointment to monitor the catheter’s function and assess your progress.
Lifestyle Changes After PTBD (Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage) Procedure
Catheter Care: Follow the care instructions provided by your medical professional to ensure the catheter site remains clean and infection-free.
Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene around the catheter site and avoid introducing contaminants.
Activity Modification: Depending on the catheter’s location, you might need to avoid activities that could dislodge or stress the catheter.
Medications: Follow any medication regimen prescribed by your medical professional, especially if antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection.
Benefits of Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD)
Relieves Bile Duct Obstruction: PTBD helps relieve blockages in the bile ducts, often caused by stones, tumours, or strictures, improving bile flow.
Reduces Jaundice: It helps minimise jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) by draining bile that has accumulated in the liver.
Minimally Invasive: this is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a small incision in the skin, reducing the need for more extensive surgery.
Improves Liver Function: By facilitating bile flow, PTBD helps prevent liver damage and can improve overall liver function.
Palliative Care: It provides symptom relief in patients with advanced cancer or other severe conditions affecting the bile ducts.
Alternative to Surgery: PTBD can be performed on patients who are not candidates for surgery or other interventions, providing a safer alternative in some circumstances.
Temporary or Long-Term Relief: The procedure can be performed to temporarily relieve symptoms or permanently by placing a biliary stent or catheter.
Prevents Infection: By improving bile flow, PTBD can reduce the risk of infections such as cholangitis, which can occur due to bile accumulation.
Improves Quality of Life: For patients with chronic bile duct obstructions, PTBD can significantly improve their quality of life by alleviating symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fever.
