LAB TEST
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram
A percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC) is an x-ray of the bile ducts. These are the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
How the Test is Performed
The test is performed in a radiology department by an interventional radiologist. You will be asked to lie on your back on the x-ray table. The provider will clean the upper right and middle area of your belly area and then apply a numbing medicine. X-rays and ultrasound are used to help the health care provider…
How to Prepare for the Test
Inform your provider if you are pregnant or have a bleeding disorder. You will be given a hospital gown to wear and you will be asked to remove all jewelry. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to the exam. Tell your provider if you are taking any blood thinners such as Warfarin (coumadin),…
How the Test will Feel
There will be a sting as the anesthetic is given. You may have some discomfort as the needle is advanced into the liver. You will have sedation for this procedure.
Why the Test is Performed
This test can help diagnose the cause of a bile duct blockage. Bile is a liquid released by the liver. It contains cholesterol, bile salts, and waste products. Bile salts help your body break down (digest) fats. A blockage of the bile duct can lead to jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin), itching of the skin,…
Normal Results
The bile ducts are normal in size and appearance for the age of the person.
What Abnormal Results Mean
The results may show that the ducts are enlarged. This may mean the ducts are at least partially blocked. The blockage may be caused by scarring or stones. It may also indicate cancer in the bile ducts, liver, pancreas, or gallbladder.
Risks
There is a slight chance of an allergic reaction to the contrast medium (iodine). There is also a small risk for: Damage to nearby organs Damage to the liver Excessive blood loss Blood poisoning (sepsis) Inflammation of the bile ducts Infection
Considerations
Most of the time, this test is done after an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) test has been tried first. The PTC may be done if an ERCP test cannot be performed or has failed to clear the blockage. A magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is another, noninvasive imaging method, based…
References
Cameron J. Gallbladder and biliary tree. In: Cameron J, ed. Current Surgical Therapy . 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 8. James TW, Baron TH. Endoscopic and radiologic treatment of biliary disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 07/01/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.