Percutaneous transhepatic intubation of bile ducts for combined internal-external drainage in preoperative and palliative treatment of obstructive jaundice.

Percutaneous transhepatic intubation and combined internal-external drainage of the biliary system was performed in 15 patients with occlusion of the extrahepatic bile ducts due mainly to cholangiocarcinoma, metastases of the hepatoduodenal ligament, and tumors of the periampullary region. The technique is described and the value of the procedure in temporary decompression and combined internal-external bile drainage prior to radical surgery is demonstrated. Its advantages as a palliative method are evident in far-advanced malignancy when extensive and complicated surgical procedures are ill-advised.