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All About

Biliary Drainage and Stenting

Wildlife

Symptoms

  • Jaundice. Normally, bile is made by the liver and released into the intestine.
  • Itching. Excess bilirubin in the skin can also cause itching.
  • Light-colored/greasy stools
  • Dark urine.
  • Abdominal (belly) pain.
  • Loss of appetite/weight loss.
  • Fever.
  • Nausea and vomiting

Causes

  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis. This disease causes hardening and scarring of the bile ducts.
  • Chronic liver disease.
  • Bile duct problems present at birth.
  • A liver parasite.
  • Older age.
  • Smoking.

More about Treatment

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTCD) is the placement of a drain into bile ducts using needles inserted through the skin. Biliary stenting is performed after biliary drainage if the blockage is malignant (cancerous) to keep the bile duct open and to allow the drain used in PTCD to be removed.

FAQ on this Treatment

What is the procedure of biliary drainage and stenting?

Radiologist performs this procedure. A tube is inserted through skin into the liver and it is advanced till common biliary duct. Whole procedure is guided under X RAY or CT SCAN. If the one time drainage is unsatisfactory the tube is kept inside and connected to cannula and another tube which is drained into the drainage bag kept level below insertion to facilitate drainage.

What Precaution should one take after this procedure?

One must keep in mind few things after undergoing this procedure such as
-Avoid Driving or strenuous exercise
-Drink water to compensate fluid loss
-Keep the bag below the insertion site. Avoid hanging of bag
-Take bath only after 48 hr
-Check for infection at incision site

What care should be taken about the tube and bag?

After biliary stenting it’s very important to take care of the bag otherwise it can lead to complications. Necessary care include:
-Changing dressing as prescribed by your Doctor under proper aseptic conditions only.
-Avoid twisting, unnecessary pull of tube.
-Drain the bag frequently and thoroughly clean the bag.
-Readings of bile when asked for
-Change the bag after 30 days
-Take antibiotics to prevent infection if prescribed

How many days of hospitalization is required after this procedure?

Generally patient is discharged on the same day unless no medical condition is there.
But Patient should be accompanied by a Guardian and he/she should AVOID routine activities on the day of the procedure.

When can I return to work after this procedure?

One should take rest for 24-48 hr after this procedure and can return to work on the same day if no strenuous activity is involved but if so he/she can return to work in 2-3 days.

What risks are associated with this procedure?

Certain risks like bleeding, Infection or septicemia, Rupture of the duct into the abdomen are associated with this procedure. This procedure may not drain calculated bile into the bag.

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