[Technique of percutaneous transhepatic drainage of the bile ducts and its spectrum of application (author's transl)].

Percutaneous transhepatic drainage (PTD) -- internal or external -- is an important method in the treatment of obstructive jaundice. Its value rests in the temporary relief of obstructions of the bile ducts before surgery, or in the palliative treatment of patients with inoperable tumours. The article describes the technique, indications, complications and difficulties. The authors' own experience is based on 19 successful percutaneous transhepatic drainages. The method is easy to apprehend and has a low complication rate.