At ImageCare Radiology, we offer specialized biliary drainage and stenting. Our committed medical imaging team is dedicated to delivering this critical treatment, playing a vital role in managing biliary blockages and associated health issues.
What is Biliary Drainage and Stenting?
Biliary drainage is a procedure that removes fluid from a blocked bile duct in the liver. This obstruction can lead to a buildup of bile, causing significant discomfort and health issues. To address this, a stent—a small tube made of plastic or metal—is sometimes inserted into the duct to maintain its openness, allowing bile to flow properly again.
What are the Benefits of Biliary Drainage and Stenting?
The primary benefits of biliary drainage and stenting are the restoration of bile flow and the alleviation of symptoms associated with biliary blockages. These symptoms often include pain, itching, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), nausea, and dark urine. By ensuring the bile ducts are unobstructed, these uncomfortable and dangerous symptoms can be rapidly reduced or eliminated.
Compared to traditional surgical methods, biliary drainage and stenting are less invasive, carry fewer risks, and require a shorter hospital stay. Patients typically experience a quicker recovery, returning to their daily routines more promptly than they would after surgery.
How Does a Biliary Drainage and Stenting Procedure Work?
The process of biliary drain placement and stenting is a procedure conducted by an interventional radiologist. To begin, the radiologist uses advanced imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy to gain a precise view of the liver and the bile ducts. A local anesthetic is applied to the area where a small puncture in the skin will be made. This ensures patient comfort during the procedure.
Once the area is numbed, the radiologist inserts a needle into the bile duct within the liver. With the aid of a guide wire that is passed through the needle, a thin drainage tube is then carefully threaded into place. This tube, once properly positioned, is connected to a bag outside the body, where it collects fluid. Alternatively, the radiologist may place the drainage tube in such a way that bile can drain directly into the intestines, mimicking the body’s natural bile flow.
A few days after the initial drainage, a biliary stent may be introduced into the narrowed bile duct to keep it open. The stent acts as a scaffold, ensuring that the duct does not become obstructed again and that bile can continue to flow unimpeded. This second stage of the procedure is critical for providing long-term relief and preventing further complications associated with biliary obstruction.
Contact Us for Biliary Drainage and Stenting Procedures
ImageCare Radiology has multiple facilities, each one staffed with skilled professionals ready to provide the highest level of care. If you or someone you care for requires biliary drainage and stenting, our team is prepared to guide you through the procedure and recovery process.
Allow us to provide you with the comfort and care needed for a swift return to wellness. Contact us today to arrange your biliary drainage and stenting treatment and take the first step towards a healthier life.