Symptoms Addressed

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

• Abdominal pain or swelling

• Fever and chills from infection

• Nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite

• Signs of bile leakage or obstruction

Procedure Overview

1. Pre-procedure Assessment

   • Blood tests, liver function tests, imaging (ultrasound, CT, or MRCP)

   • Assessment for anesthesia and overall health

2. PTBD Procedure

   • Local anesthesia and mild sedation

   • Needle inserted through the skin into the liver under imaging guidance

   • A catheter is placed into the bile duct to drain bile externally

   • Catheter may be temporary or connected to internal stent depending on need

3. Post-procedure Care

   • Hospital stay: 1–3 days depending on patient condition

   • Monitoring for infection, bleeding, or catheter-related complications

   • Regular dressing and care of external drain

   • Follow-up imaging and possible stent placement or catheter removal

Benefits of Post-operative PTBD

• Minimally invasive with small puncture site

• Relieves bile obstruction and reduces jaundice

• Prevents bile leakage complications

• Can be performed in patients unsuitable for surgery

• Provides access for further biliary interventions

Post-operative PTBD Cost in India

Table 1: Average Post-operative PTBD Cost in India

Factors Affecting Cost

1. Procedure complexity – Catheter placement alone vs. stenting or multiple sessions

2. Hospital facilities – Advanced centers and metro cities charge higher fees

3. Patient condition – Post-operative complications may require extended care

4. Follow-up imaging and catheter care – Long-term monitoring adds cost

5. Additional interventions – Stent exchange or revision procedures

Who Should Consider Post-operative PTBD?

• Patients with bile duct obstruction or leakage after liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic surgery

• Individuals with post-operative jaundice or cholangitis

• Patients referred by hepatobiliary surgeons or interventional radiologists

• Candidates unsuitable for repeat surgery and needing minimally invasive drainage