Abstract
Interventional radiology provides a range of management options applicable to a broad
spectrum of patients with biliary tract disorders. This review highlights the importance
of these procedures, and illustrates their safety and effectiveness.
Percutaneous transcatheter decompression has a well-established role in the management
of patients with benign and malignant biliary obstruction. The advent of metallic
stents has greatly increased the value of these techniques. Patients with biliary
tract calculi can be successfully treated with a variety of percutaneous techniques,
obviating surgery and providing a useful alternative to endoscopic methods. Finally,
percutaneous cholecystostomy has evolved as a valuable adjunct in the treatment of
calculous cholecystitis, as well as providing the definitive cure for many patients
with acalculous cholecystitis.
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