Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in Sudan

In 16 patients percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with a conventional needle was attempted, to establish the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice and show the nature and site of obstruction. The procedure was successful in 15 patients; only one patient subsequently had parenchymal jaundice. The conventional needle allowed bile aspiration (a mean of 22 mls in the 15 patients), which may have been an important factor in avoiding the development of post PTC septicemia. No patient had pain, bile leakage, bleeding or septicemia following the procedure. Surgery was performed as scheduled. Following the use of the conventional sheathed needle, it does not appear necessary to operate immediately.