Cholecystostomy and PTBD in the treatment of obstructive jaundice (a comparative study)

The Authors compare two groups of patients suffering from obstructive jaundice due to neoplasia of the head of the pancreas or the terminal bile duct who undergo bile drainage by means of cholecystostomy via the percutaneous transhepatic route, in order to reduce icterus, and subsequently undergo a duodenocephalopancreatectomy. The two groups are then compared with a third group in which duodenocephalopancreatectomy was performed without a preoperative reduction in the jaundice. The decrease in bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, the drainage period, the nature and length of the post-operative course and the average total hospitalisation period are analysed. Whereas the recovery of hepatic function is comparable in the three groups, in the group undergoing percutaneous transhepatic bile drainage the post-operative course is decidedly better (lower morbidity and a shorter period of hospitalisation).