Details.
A procedure to insert a drain tube into a bile duct, mainly when the bile ducts are blocked. It may be recommended for gallstones impacted in the ducts, bile duct injury or narrowing after previous surgery, or cancer involving the ducts. The procedure is performed with sedation or general anaesthetic. Patients must not eat or drink for 6 hours beforehand, should discuss diabetes and blood-thinning medicines with the radiology practice, and bring their usual medicines or a complete medication list. A stent may be inserted to open the blocked bile duct. Recovery may involve monitoring after sedation or anaesthesia, discomfort or pain at the tube site, and regularly emptying the drainage bag.