[Percutaneous transhepatic--versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in the differential diagnosis of cholestasis? (author's transl)].

Since the introduction of the Chiba needle the percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) became an established method in the differential diagnosis of cholestasis beside the endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). From the clinical point of view it is sometimes difficult to decide which of these two techniques should be preferred. In case of absolute or relative contraindications or in case of failure of one of the two methods ERC and PTC can be used alternatively. In all other cases we feel that the PTC by means of the Chiba needle is superior because of easier technical handling and higher success rate. In addition PTC is less trying for the patients. However on the basis of our own experience is should be stressed, that even by using skinny needles there is danger of bile leakage, which necessitates an immediate surgical intervention in the presence of biliary obstruction.