[Technique and diagnostic value of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (author's transl)]

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiographic (PTC) serves to perform antegrade bile duct visualisation in obstructive jaundice. It gives exact information on the extent of the flow obstruction and the permeability of the prestenotic area. In most cases, it is possible to differentiate between stone, inflammation and malignant change, but it as a rule most difficult to diagnose the type of tumour, if any. Basing on the authors' own experience with 152 PTC, technique, indications, contraindications and complications as well as differential diagnostic possibilities are described. The complication rate has dropped very clearly since the Chiba needle was introduced.