Conversion of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage to internal drainage in obstructive jaundice.

Conversion of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage to an internal drainage is safe and effective in rerouting bile back to the intestinal tract in obstructive jaundice without major operative procedure. The method consists of insertion of a drainage tube with several side holes beyond the bile duct stricture. Usually, a single lumen tube is used. However, double lumen tube is preferred when the amount of bile discharge is excessive. This simple technique is found to be useful in the management of obstructive jaundice not only for preoperative decompression of biliary tree but also for the inoperable lesions.