Abstract
Biliary drainage can be achieved by endoscopic or percutaneous drainage (ERBD). Advantages and disadvantages have been reported for each. We have established a new procedure, percutaneous endoscopic trans-gastric biliary drainage (PETGBD). This technique tends not to result in cholangitis, appears associated with fewer critical complications such as bile leakage and peritonitis, and is less painful for patients while providing efficient bile drainage. Tube obstruction is also easily addressed. We performed this procedure on 6 patients. Median total bilirubin (T.Bil) level at first presentation was 6.35 mg/dl. The duration required for T.Bil to decrease to <2 mg/dl was 6 days. No odynophagia, anorexia or tube trouble was recognized. These results suggest that this new method allows stable and continuous biliary drainage, and not only ensures safety, but avoids the discomfort, odynophagia, and loss of appetite associated with use of a nasal tube.
