Successful long-term percutaneous decompression of the biliary tract.

The efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for long-term (greater than 3 months) decompression of biliary obstruction was evaluated in 35 patients with benign (10) and malignant (25) obstructing lesions. The results indicate that such drainage is a safe and effective means for long-term decompression of the biliary tract in selected patients, especially patients who are poor operative risks and those with metastatic or nonresectable malignancy. In addition, the procedure provides access to the biliary tract for percutaneous dilatation of selected common duct or anastomotic strictures.