Percutaneous Biliary Drainage

Bile is made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It helps digest food. Bile normally passes out of the liver through a series of tubes (ducts). Bile can back up into the liver if a duct becomes blocked. It can also back up if a hole or tear forms in a duct.

Biliary drainage is a procedure to drain bile from the liver. The procedure is done by a specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist.

How do I do get ready for biliary drainage

You may have been given instructions on how to get ready. These include:

• Follow any directions you are given for not eating or drinking before the procedure.
• Tell the technologist if you are or could be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
• Tell the technologist if you are allergic to X-ray dye (contrast medium) or other medicines.
• Be sure your health care provider knows about all medical conditions you have and all medicines you take. You may be told to stop taking some or all of them before the test. This includes:
• • All prescription medicines
  • Over-the-counter medicines that do not need a prescription
  • Any illegal drugs you may use 
  • Herbs, vitamins, kelp, seaweed, cough syrups, and other supplements

What happens during biliary drainage

• You will change into a hospital gown and lie on an X-ray table. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing will be carefully monitored during the procedure.
• An intravenous (IV) line is put into a vein. This is to give you fluid and medicines. You may be given medicine through the IV to help you relax (sedation).
• The skin on your abdomen is cleaned. Medicine is put on the skin to numb it (local anesthetic).
• A needle is put into the liver. Contrast medium is injected into the ducts. This helps the duct system show up clearly on X-rays.
• A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is put in and moved into the liver. The radiologist uses X-ray or ultrasound pictures as a guide. He or she moves the catheter into the duct that needs to be drained.
• Bile drains through the catheter out of your body. A bag is attached to the end of the catheter to collect the bile as it drains.
• The catheter may be temporarily sutured or taped to your skin to keep it secure and prevent it from moving.
• The radiologist may be able to use the catheter to clear the blockage during the procedure. In this case, a mesh tube (stent) may then be put in the duct to help keep it open. This allows the catheter to be taken out, usually at a later time.

What happens after biliary drainage  

• A slight fever (1°F above your normal temperature) is normal for the first 24 hours after the procedure. If the fever lasts longer than 24 hours, follow instructions that were given by your healthcare provider.
• You will likely stay in the hospital overnight or longer.
• You may have some pain or discomfort. This can be controlled with medicine.
• Care for the catheter and drainage site as directed.

• Talk with your health care provider about how long the catheter will need to stay in place.
• You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after the procedure or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Follow any instructions you have been given about recovering at home.
• Follow up as recommended by your healthcare provider.