Treatment

Biliary Drainage

Overview

Biliary drainage is a medical procedure used to remove bile when it is not flowing properly from the liver to the intestines. The bile ducts can become blocked due to conditions such as gall bladder sludge, tumors or infections. When bile builds up it can cause serious health issues and biliary drainage helps to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. This treatment is done using a biliary drainage catheter or biliary drainage tube to ensure proper bile flow.

Why Biliary Drainage is Required?

Some common reasons why this treatment may be needed include:

• Gallbladder drain due to gallstones or gallbladder sludge.
• Tumors or cancer blocking the bile duct.
• Infections causing swelling and blockage.
• Scar tissue formation in the bile duct.
• Liver diseases affecting bile flow.

Key Advantages of Biliary Drainage

• Relieves jaundice and itching by reducing bile buildup.
• Prevents infections caused by bile duct blockages.
• Reduces abdominal pain linked to bile duct obstruction.
• Helps doctors treat the cause of blockage before surgery or further treatment.
• Improves liver function by ensuring bile flows properly.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Taking Biliary Drainage Treatment?

Before undergoing percutaneous biliary drainage, follow these preparation steps:

• Inform your doctor about any medications or allergies.
• You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Blood tests and imaging scans like ultrasound or MRI may be done.
• You may receive a mild sedative to help you relax.
• Your doctor will explain biliary drainage complications and what to expect.

How Biliary Drainage is Performed?

The steps include:

1. A doctor uses an ultrasound or X-ray to locate the bile duct.
2. A needle is inserted into the bile duct through the skin.
3. A biliary drainage catheter (a thin tube) is placed inside to allow drainage of bile duct.
4. A biliary drainage bag is attached to collect excess bile.

This procedure can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause of the blockage.

What You Can Expect

1. Before the Procedure:

• You may be given sedation or local anesthesia.
• Your doctor will clean the area and insert a small needle to access the bile duct.

2. During the Procedure:

• A tube is inserted to allow bile to drain.
• The doctor ensures that the biliary drainage bag is securely in place.
• The procedure takes about 30-60 minutes.

3. After the Procedure:

• You may experience mild discomfort or soreness.
• The biliary drainage tube will remain in place as long as needed.
• The color of bile drainage may vary from yellow, green to brown. (What color is bile drainage?)
• Your doctor will monitor your condition and decide when the biliary drain can be removed.

Risk and Potential Complications

Although biliary drainage is generally safe, some risks include:

• Infection around the insertion site
• Bleeding or leakage of bile
• Blockage of the tube, requiring replacement
• Discomfort while living with a biliary drain
• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during imaging

Results/Outcomes

• Instant Relief from Symptoms – Biliary drainage helps reduce jaundice, itching and abdominal pain caused by blocked bile ducts.
• Better Digestion – With proper bile flow, digestion improves, reducing nausea, bloating and discomfort after meals.
• Improved Liver Function – The liver works better when bile drains properly preventing further damage or complications.
• Prevention of Infections – By draining the bile duct the risk of bile buildup and infections like cholangitis is significantly reduced.
• Faster Recovery & Healing – Once bile starts flowing, the body heals faster and overall health improves.
• Supports Further Treatment – If the blockage is due to a tumor or gallstones biliary drainage makes surgery or additional treatments safer and more effective.
• Minimal Downtime – The procedure is minimally invasive meaning most patients can resume normal activities within a short time.
• Customised Treatment Duration – Some people need a biliary drainage bag for a short period while others might need it longer based on their condition.
• Enhanced Quality of Life – Despite having a biliary drain most patients feel better, eat better and regain their energy after the procedure.