Management of extrahepatic biliary obstruction: a role for temporary percutaneous biliary drainage

Extrahepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO) is a life-threatening condition with several etiologies that leads to numerous systemic physiologic derangements. It often presents as an emergency condition and causes significant morbidity and mortality in small animals. Conventional treatment consists of corrective surgical procedures, frequently on an emergency basis, which have been associated with mortality rates of 28% to 64% in dogs. Mortality is exacerbated by prolonged anesthetic times. Cats with EHBO are at a similarly high risk for anesthetic and surgical complications, and their prognosis is considered guarded. To decrease mortality, attention must be focused on presurgical patient stabilization and integrated postoperative medical management strategies.