Role of Ultrasonography as a Single Tool for Guidance of Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage in Obstructive Jaundice

Obstructive jaundice may be of malignant and benign etiologies. Carcinoma of the gall bladder, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, metastasis, and lymph nodal compression of common bile duct (CBD) constitute the majority of malignant causes.

Most of the patients with malignant obstructive jaundice are already advanced and inoperable by the time they are diagnosed, hence carry bad prognosis with palliation being the only option left. Obstruction needs to be drained even in such cases for reducing pain, cholangitis, anorexia and pruritus as well as to reduce the serum bilirubin levels in certain cases to initiate chemo or intrabiliary brachytherapy.

Over the years, palliation has evolved with the introduction of newer methods and improvisation of existing techniques. Recent palliative measures prolong longevity and improve the quality of life, hence increasing the acceptance to such procedures; Methods of biliary drainage include: a. Surgical bypass b. Minimally invasive procedures; Endoscopic retrograde (ERCP) (cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD).

ERCP as well as PTBD are well-established and effective means for biliary drainage as palliative treatment in unresectable cases.

With the current modern technique in experienced hands, Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) equals endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) regarding technical success and complications. In addition, there is a reduction in immediate procedure-related mortality with proven survival benefit. Moreover, it is the only immediate lifesaving procedure in cholangitis and sepsis.