Biliary Drainage

In some patients, such as those with liver cancer or individuals who have had an injury to the liver, the bile ducts become blocked and bile cannot drain from the liver. The interventional radiologist places a thin tube (catheter) through the skin and into the bile ducts to drain the bile. In some cases, a small metal cylinder, called a stent, is placed in the liver to hold the blocked area open. A catheter may also be placed to drain bile in patients who have a hole in the bile ducts or as preparation for surgery on the bile ducts.

Patient Preparation:

1. Do not eat or drink after midnight, the night before.
2. Inform you doctor of any allergies you may have, especially to x-ray contrast.
3. You may take your medicines with small sips of water on the morning of the exam. Please consult with your doctor about whether or not to take certain medications, such as blood thinners like Coumadin or Insulin.
4. Bring all of your medications with you.

After Discharge:

1. The patient will be given care instructions upon discharge from the hospital.

Notify Your Doctor If:

1. You notice bleeding,or greenish discharge at the site where the catheter was inserted.
2. Increasing pain at the insertion site.
3. Dizziness or light-headed feeling.