Abstract

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) was performed on 22 patients with malignant biliary obstruction. Drainage was successful in 20 patients (91%). The aim of PTBD was palliation in 12 patients (60%) and preoperative drainage in 8 patients (40%). There was no mortality or major complication related to the procedure. In 3 patients (15%) minor complications occurred. PTBD which can be performed with high success and low complication rates under ultrasonographic guidance was found to be a successful palliative method that can alleviate subjective symptoms. It can also decrease postoperative morbidity and mortality when used for preoperative drainage.