The Use of Fine Needle Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography in the Diagnosis of Jaundice in Surgical Practice

Fine needle Percutaneous Tranhepatic Cholangiography (P.T.C) was performed in series of 60 cases with suspected surgical jaundice in Surgical A unit, Hayat Shaheed Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from February 1984 to February 1990. The ductal system was successfully outlined in 57 cases with dilated intrahepatic ducts as reported on ultrasound examination in 50 cases out of 60. In two cases the ducts were not dilated on P.T.C. Mild pyrexial reaction and septicemia occurred in 57 cases (3.3%) after P.T.C Three patients developed allergic reaction to contrast medium (Biligrafin) but were resuscitated promptly. Mortality of one patient (1.6%) was recorded in this series. The patient was asthmatic and developed status asthmatic during the procedure and expired within 24 hours.