Preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary decompression lowers operative morbidity in patients with obstructive jaundice.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary decompression is a safe and potentially helpful procedure. If done correctly, it will accomplish adequate decompression of the biliary tree and permit hepatic function to return to a more normal state preoperatively. The time gained while waiting for the bilirubin level to decrease can be used for adequate preoperative preparation of the patient. Use of this technique may make it possible for operative treatment of obstructive jaundice to return to a two-stage procedure, the first stage being percutaneous transhepatic biliary decompression.