Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in malignant obstructive jaundice

Results obtained in 70 patients with neoplastic (primary or metastatic) biliary obstruction and submitted to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage indicate the effectiveness of the technique in relieving jaundice, improving general conditions and restoring liver function. In 25.4% of cases, the drainage allowed the patients to undergo surgical treatment of the neoplasm. In 74.6%, the drainage was left in place as definitive palliation. The complication rate was very low and similar to that described in the literature. At this time it is difficult to identify prognostic factors and foresee the results of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, but the procedure is always indicated in patients at high operative risk or inoperable.