Interventional radiology uses image-guided techniques to diagnose and treat conditions throughout the body, and physicians rely on imaging tools to guide small instruments through tiny incisions. These minimally invasive procedures often replace traditional open surgery for some conditions, including biliary obstruction. When the bile ducts become blocked, interventional radiologists help restore bile flow from the liver to the small intestine. Here are some ways interventional radiology is used to manage biliary obstruction:
Biliary Drainage
Biliary drainage is a key procedure used to relieve blockages in the bile ducts, and it prevents complications such as infection or liver damage. One technique is percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). During this procedure, the radiologist inserts a thin needle through the skin and into a bile duct using imaging for guidance. A catheter then directs bile outside the body, inside to the intestine, or in both directions at once.
Blocked bile ducts may lead to a buildup of bilirubin, causing jaundice, itching, and infection. Drainage relieves this pressure. The catheter stays in place for a period determined by your care team, and nurses show you how to care for it at home. Follow-up appointments allow the team to flush the catheter and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Stent Placement
Stent placement is used to open bile ducts and maintain proper bile flow. It offers a longer-term solution for narrowed or blocked bile ducts. A stent is a small tube made of metal or plastic that holds the duct open, allowing bile to flow freely, and it’s positioned using imaging guidance. Once the stent is in place, the external catheter may be removed, minimizing reliance on ongoing external drainage.
Since metal stents often remain open longer, they are typically used for patients with malignant obstructions. Plastic stents work well for short-term needs, and they are usually easier to exchange. Your physician selects the type based on the cause of the blockage, your overall health, and the expected treatment duration.
Some patients receive a stent during the same session as their initial drainage, while others have it placed at a later appointment. Since stents can sometimes become clogged or shift over time, the medical team monitors them with imaging and lab tests. The stent is typically left in place until treatment is completed.
Stone Extraction
Stone extraction removes stones that have formed in the bile or pancreatic ducts, which cause pain, infection, or other complications. Gallstones can migrate from the gallbladder into the bile ducts, creating blockages. Interventional radiology removes these stones through minimally invasive methods. Using catheter access, the physician guides tools to the stone’s location. Small baskets or balloons capture or push the stone, and this clears the duct. Large stones are sometimes broken into smaller pieces before removal; the fragments then pass into the intestine or are extracted. This helps patients who are not candidates for surgery or who have stones that endoscopic methods could not reach.
Learn More About Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology provides image-guided options for managing biliary obstruction, from drainage and stent placement to stone extraction. Procedures are tailored to your diagnosis and medical history. These treatments help reduce symptoms, and they aim to improve bile flow. Contact a radiology clinic today to schedule a consultation.
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