Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) is a minimally invasive diagnostic and interventional procedure used to visualize the biliary tree and manage biliary obstructions. By inserting a needle through the skin and liver into the bile duct, contrast dye is injected to enhance imaging and allow for therapeutic interventions such as stent placement or drainage.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography

Minimally invasive diagnostic procedure

Interventional procedure

The biliary tree is a network of ducts that transport bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum, playing a crucial role in digestion and the excretion of waste products. It includes intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, with the common bile duct being a major conduit for bile flow into the small intestine.

Biliary Tree

Biliary obstructions

Needle insertion is a critical procedure in medical practice, requiring precision and skill to minimize patient discomfort and ensure therapeutic efficacy. It involves understanding anatomy, proper technique, and sometimes the use of imaging guidance to accurately target specific tissues or cavities.

Needle Insertion

Skin and liver

The bile duct is a series of thin tubes that transport bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, playing a critical role in the digestion of fats. Disorders of the bile duct, such as blockages or inflammation, can lead to serious conditions like jaundice or cholangitis.

Bile Duct

Contrast dye is a substance used in medical imaging to enhance the visibility of internal structures in radiographic procedures such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays. It helps differentiate between tissues, making it easier to identify abnormalities, but it can also pose risks such as allergic reactions or kidney issues in susceptible individuals.

Contrast Dye

Enhanced imaging

Therapeutic interventions are structured actions or strategies used by healthcare professionals to alleviate or manage physical, mental, or emotional health issues. They are tailored to individual needs and can include a range of approaches such as medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies.

Therapeutic Interventions

Stent placement is a medical procedure used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels, ensuring adequate blood flow to organs and tissues. It involves inserting a small mesh tube, called a stent, into the affected vessel to keep it open and prevent future blockages.

Stent Placement

Drainage refers to the natural or artificial removal of surface and sub-surface water from an area, which is essential for preventing flooding and maintaining soil health. Effective drainage systems are crucial in urban planning, agriculture, and environmental management to ensure water is efficiently directed away from areas where it could cause harm.

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