What are the indications for percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage?
Percutaneous biliary drainage is indicated for the treatment of cholangitis or pruritus related to hyperbilirubinemia in the setting of benign or malignant obstructive biliary disease. Biliary drainage may also be performed in the setting of a traumatic bile leak to help divert bile and promote healing of the injured duct. Generally, percutaneous drainage is indicated only if access of the ducts via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is impossible, since ERCP is associated with a lower major complication rate.