Current status of endosonography-guided biliary drainage

Ang TL
Correspondence: Dr Ang Tiing Leong, tiing_leong_ang@cgh.com.sg

ABSTRACT
An obstructed biliary system is usually drained by endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography, and when this is unsuccessful, the standard alternative technique is percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. Surgical biliary bypass may also be required. In recent years, endosonography has transformed from a solely diagnostic procedure to one with therapeutic capabilities. Endosonography-guided biliary drainage is now being performed as an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. This is an evolving field, with challenges that must be addressed before it can become a routine clinical practice. This review summarises the current status of endosonography-guided biliary drainage.

Keywords: biliary obstruction, endosonography, therapeutic drainage
Singapore Med J 2010; 51(10): 762-766