Fine needle transhepatic cholangiography. Current status and critical review of the technic

Percutaneous fine needle transhepatic cholangiography (FNTC) is a preferred procedure in demonstrating pathology of the biliary tract in jaundice disorders. Aspects in technic such as: 1. roentgenographic anatomy of the needle path and guidelines for its identification; 2. necessary radiologic equipment; 3. the injection technic; 4. aspiration of bile; 5. significance of the number of needle passes and 6. pharmacologic aids must be familiar to anyone using FNTC. Similarly, knowledge of the indications, contraindications, and complications are essential to the operator. The following review presents the authors' experience as well as a critical assessment of the current state of the art of FNTC.