Signs & Symptoms :

1.Severe jaundice

2. Abdominal pain, 

3. Nausea

4. Vomiting

5. Fever

6.Chills

7. Itching

PTBD helps alleviate these symptoms by allowing the proper drainage of bile from the liver.

Indications

A – Biliary Obstruction

Cause- Malignant obstruction

• Cholangiocarcinoma

• Gall Bladder Cancer

B. Cholangitis or infected Bile 

Cause – Benign obstruction

• Iatrogenic strictures.

• previous anastomosis (e.g. post-liver transplant)

C. Bile Duct injury or leak 

D. Complex Structure involving both left and right duct

Biliary obstructions, often caused by gallstones, tumors, or strictures, can lead to bile buildup and subsequent symptoms. PTBD provides a pathway for bile to bypass these obstructions.

Pros and Cons of PTBD:

Cons:

• Risk of Infection
• Temporary Discomfort
• Potential Need for Follow-up

Pros:

• Minimally Invasive
• Rapid Symptom Relief
• Guided by Imaging

Procedure : When pressure is applied to the bile duct, patients may experience symptoms of jaundice and itching. In cases where surgery for bile duct cancer in advanced stages is not possible, PTBD (Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage) intervention technique is effective in the treatment of such patients. It provides immediate relief to the patient. The PTBD treatment procedure is as follows:

1. In the PTBD technique, ultrasound and color Doppler are used to identify the bile duct and blood vessels. Then, under ultrasound guidance, a wire is inserted into the bile duct.

2. By dilating the bile duct with a dilator, the catheter is inserted to remove bile from the body. This helps reduce jaundice. A stent is inserted into the bile duct to prevent it from closing repeatedly.

Benefits of PTBD Treatment:

1. Prevention of liver failure in patients.

2. Possible treatment in advanced stages when surgery is not an option.

3. Non-surgical treatment.

4. Performed under local anesthesia.

5. Patients can be discharged from the hospital on the same day.

6. Provides relief from jaundice and itching

When considering treatment options, collaboration with healthcare providers is vital to determine the most appropriate approach based on the specific condition, medical history, and individual preferences. PTBD stands as a valuable and effective technique within the spectrum of treatments for biliary system issues, offering rapid relief and improved quality of life.