Transhepatic Cholangiography in the Differential Diagnosis of Jaundice

Abstract

Transhepatic cholangiography is indicated in diagnosing the cause of jaundice when routine radiographic methods of visualizing the biliary tract cannot be undertaken or when they do not show the etiology of biliary obstruction. Transhepatic cholangiography can help to distinguish intrahepatic from extrahepatic obstruction and can show whether common duct stones, stricture or neoplasm is the cause of obstruction. Complications from this procedure are usually avoided when surgery follows immediately.