Publication:

Complications of left and right sided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage

Background Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) is performed either via right or left-ductal approach, on the basis of status of primary confluence, secondary confluence and atrophy of liver parenchyma. Our study compares the complications of two approaches in malignant obstruction. The objectives of this study was to assess and compare complications of PTBD.

Methods This study was a prospective hospital based study performed for a period of 2 years from 2016 to 2018.PTBD was performed either via right in 16 patients or left-ductal approach in 15 patients, on the basis of status of primary biliary confluence and atrophy of liver parenchyma.

Results Both minor and major complications were more common in right-sided approach as compared to left-sided approach with most common major and minor complication being cholangitis (16.12%) and fever (12.9%) respectively.

Conclusions PTBD is an excellent palliative procedure to drain the bile ducts in malignant obstruction. Although complications of PTBD are more common in right sided approach but results are statistically insignificant.