Biliary pressure measurement: an aid in the management of patients on internal biliary drainage

To aid in the management of patients with internal biliary drainage catheters, biliary pressure readings are routinely taken. If the pressure is below the secretory pressure of bile (20-30 cm H2O), adequate internal biliary drainage is assured. This is a fast, simple, and reliable technique which can be performed at home by the patient or a visiting nurse. The need to exchange a catheter can now be based on the objective measurement of the biliary pressure.