Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) is a medical procedure used to visualize the anatomy and pathology of the biliary tract. It is often used when other, less invasive tests are inconclusive or cannot be performed.

Procedure

PTC is performed by a radiologist under fluoroscopy. The patient is usually sedated, and the skin over the liver is numbed with a local anesthetic. A thin needle is then inserted through the skin, into the liver, and into one of the bile ducts. Contrast material is then injected into the bile ducts and X-rays are taken.

Indications

PTC is used to diagnose and sometimes treat diseases of the liver and bile ducts. It is often used when other tests, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are inconclusive or cannot be performed.

Risks

As with any invasive procedure, PTC carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, injury to the liver or bile ducts, and allergic reaction to the contrast material.

See also

• Cholangiography
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

References

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography Resources
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