[Preoperative percutaneous transhepatic drainage of the biliary system (PTCD) in malignant obstructive jaundice (author's transl)].

Percutaneous transhepatic intubation and drainage of the biliary system were performed in 23 patients, 19 cases preoperatively because of malignant obstructive jaundice. With 12 days the bilirubin serum level went to normal values, and the patients general condition and liver function showed marked improvement. By preoperative PTCD the mortality of palliative procedures in pancreatic carcinoma decreased. Complications occurred in five cases and were easy to manage. Clinical aspects such as indication, optimal period of drainage, and value of other techniques in bile drainage are discussed.