[Percutaneous transhepatic bile duct drainage (PTCD)]

At the instance of a female patient with obstructive jaundice due to inoperable carcinoma of the head of the pancreas is reported on the percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage. With the help of this non-operative palliative drainage of the system of bile ducts in malignant tumors of the biliopancreatic area an at least transitory relief with regression of the jaundice and the excruciating pruritus is achieved. With regard to the relatively high complication rate of the percutaneous drainages performed without laparotomy (haemorrhage, cholangitis, sepsis) and to the possibly already early loss of function by occlusion or dislocation of the catheter the indication for such an approach is strictly to be made.