Biliary Drainage Catheter Exchange

During biliary drainage catheter placement, a tube is placed directly into the bile ducts of the liver in order to drain bile directly from the liver. Sometimes, this tube drains bile from the liver directly outside of the body (external drainage). If that is the case, the bile will drain directly into the bag that is attached to the tube. If possible, the Interventional Radiologist may be able to position the tube so that it extends internally from the liver to the intestines (internal drainage). If the catheter is in place for long periods of time, these will need to be exchanged by the Interventional Radiologist usually every 2-3 months. If the tube should become blocked before your regular change, please contact our office.

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