Feasibility and safety of bedside percutaneous biliary drainage in patients with severe cholangitis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of bedside percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) as a salvage procedure in patients with severe cholangitis in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated records of consecutive patients with severe cholangitis who were admitted in the ICU. Bedside PTBD was performed using ultrasound guidance. The level and cause of biliary obstruction were recorded. The technical success of the procedure and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Ten patients (six males, mean age 53.8 years) underwent bedside PTBD. Six patients had distal common bile duct blockade [periampullary carcinoma (n = 2), carcinoma pancreas (n = 2), choledocholithiasis (n = 1), and benign stricture (n = 1)]. Four patients had malignant hilar stricture [cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3) and carcinoma gallbladder (n = 1)]. Technical success was achieved in all. One patient underwent bilateral PTBD. Left and right PTBD were performed in 5 and 4 patients, respectively. There were no major complications. Transient hemobilia occurred in two patients. CONCLUSION: Bedside PTBD is safe and technically feasible. Prospective studies are required to establish this procedure into routine clinical practice.