Biliary drainage and stenting

Biliary drainage used to treat blocked or leaking bile ducts by placement of a drain into the bile ducts of the liver through the skin. Biliary stenting may be used to keep the bile duct open and prevent it from closing over, by placing a permanent stent (mesh metal tube) into the bile duct.

This procedure can be done either under sedation or general anaesthesia. Your interventional radiologist will use an ultrasound to guide a fine needle into the bile ducts of the liver, using x-rays to confirm placement and define the bile duct anatomy. A fine wire is then used to cross the blocked segment of bile duct and if required, a stent may be placed over the wire at this point. A drain is then placed and the wire is then removed.