PTBD: Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage – A Life-Saving Procedure at IR Clinic
At IR Clinic, we have expertise over minimal invasive procedures, and the most life-saving service we provide is PTBD, or Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage. It is done to mitigate obstructions in the bile ducts and thus is an advanced life-saving treatment for those suffering from very severe conditions that upset their livers and biliary systems. In this blog, we will talk about what PTBD is, why it is required, and how the staff at IR Clinic delivers quality care to each patient.
What is PTBD?
PTBD is a non-operative procedure applied for the relief of biliary obstruction due to a neoplasm, gallstones, or strictures of the bile ducts, causing an obstructive jaundice and cholangitis, respectively. If not addressed in time, such a blockage might lead to liver failure or sepsis, among other serious complications.
PTBD is a minimally invasive procedure in which a fine catheter, placed under the skin and through the liver, is directly inserted into the bile ducts to drain out bile and relieve pressure in the bile ducts because of the blockage. This procedure is minimally invasive, hence a safer procedure rather than open surgery, especially for patients who are perhaps not as suitable to undergo surgery.
Why PTBD is Important
PTBD is the standard option for a patient who cannot be treated surgically due to their disease, or if the pathology is too complicated to be treated through the conventional methods, such as endoscopy. We perform PTBD at IR Clinic for many of the following reasons:
Relieving Obstructive Jaundice: A common symptom wherein yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes is noted owing to the obstruction in the path of bile accumulation. Preoperative Preparation Preventing Perioperative Complications in Bile Duct Obstruction Patients
Prevention of liver damage: Bile can cause permanent damage to the liver if it is not drained before intervention.
Drainage of infection: If the bile duct is infected, the bile cannot be drained, and this can result in the systemic spreading of the infection. PTBD Procedure at IR Clinic.
At the IR Clinic, we take patient comfort and safety as paramount in the PTBD procedure. The procedure is segmented into several key steps:
Pre-procedure Evaluation: Before PTBD, the interventional radiologists would conduct imaging tests using ultrasound and/or CT scans to identify the obstruction while identifying the best route for the catheter’s insertion.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia along with sedation when needed, shall be utilized to ensure the procedure is painless as much as possible for the patient.
Insertion of Catheter: Under the guidance of radiology, a needle is slowly penetrated through the skin and into the liver. A catheter remains after locating the bile duct to let the bile drain.
Post-procedure Care: The course of recovery is closely monitored for complications, while imaging may also be required following the procedure to confirm the catheter placement. We ensure the patient receives thorough pre-discharge education and at-home care instructions to have an appropriate healing process.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients can be discharged within a day or two from the procedure, but some may need a longer period of hospital stay, depending on their condition. At IR Clinic, we make great importance of aftercare and thus educate our patients on what they can do with their catheter so as to avoid infections among other complications. These follow-ups also aid in determining whether the catheter is functioning appropriately and in case complications are developing.
Why Select IR Clinic for PTBD?
Highly experienced radiologists at the IR Clinic for such PTBD procedure perform. We ensure accuracy and prevent complications while using the latest imaging technologies. Our commitment is to deliver care with compassion, hence always keeping our patients well-informed and comfortable throughout their treatment.
We, for instance, are proud of the minimally invasive solutions as well that we present to our patients through solutions such as PTBD, where patients can regain their health quickly with little risk compared to many traditional surgical interventions. The treatment of complex conditions through interventional radiology makes our clinical institution a worthy ally in the care of individuals afflicted with bile duct obstructions.
Conclusion
PTBD is an important procedure that can relieve symptoms from obstructions of the bile duct and prevent severe complications from arising. Here at IR Clinic, we ensure quality care with the leading edge of minimally invasive techniques. If you or a loved one are displaying some of the characteristics and signs of bile duct obstruction, please do not hesitate to call us for a consultation. We will guide you through every step of your treatment with the expertise and compassion you deserve.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact IR Clinic today!
