Restoring Flow through Precision: PTCD (Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangio-Pancreatography) What is a PTCD? PTCD is a specialized interventional procedure used to visualize and treat blockages in the bile ducts. Unlike an ERCP, which reaches the bile ducts through the mouth and stomach, PTCD is performed percutaneously—meaning "through the skin." Using advanced X-ray and ultrasound guidance, a specialist radiologist or gastroenterologist passes a thin needle through the abdominal wall and into the liver to reach the bile ducts. Once access is gained, a contrast dye is injected to create a "map" of the biliary tree. If a blockage is found, a drainage tube (catheter) or a stent can be placed to allow bile to flow out of the body or into the small intestine, bypassing the obstruction entirely. Why is this Procedure Personally Vital for You? PTCD is a life-saving intervention often reserved for complex cases where other methods have been unsuccessful. This procedure is personally vital for you if: ERCP is Not an Option: If your anatomy has been altered by previous surgeries or if a blockage is located high up in the liver where an endoscope cannot reach, PTCD is the most effective way to provide relief. You are Managing Severe Jaundice: When bile cannot flow, it builds up in the blood, causing yellowing of the skin and potential liver failure. PTCD provides an immediate "exhaust valve" to clear this toxicity. You Face a Biliary Infection (Cholangitis): A blocked duct can quickly become infected; PTCD allows for the immediate drainage of infected bile and the delivery of targeted treatment to the area. Malignant Obstruction Care: For patients in our Hepatobiliary tumours and cancer track, PTCD is a critical tool for managing symptoms and maintaining liver function during long-term treatment. The Path to Relief and Internal Stability The goal of a PTCD is to resolve the pressure within your biliary system and protect your liver from further damage. This pathway is designed to: Provide Immediate Decompression: By establishing a new drainage route, we aim to reduce pain, clear jaundice, and lower the risk of systemic infection immediately. Ensure a High-Safety Workup: Because this procedure involves navigating the liver, we require a comprehensive medical history, diagnostic X-rays (and often CT/MRI scans), and detailed blood tests to confirm your blood clotting ability and liver enzyme levels. A Focused Recovery and Stabilization Window: Having an external drainage tube requires a period of adjustment and careful monitoring. We focus on a 2–3 week recovery and stabilization period. During this time, our multidisciplinary team will guide you on tube care, monitor your bile output, and ensure your liver function is stabilizing perfectly as you return to a comfortable routine. All details are subject to doctor evaluation for the final treatment plan.