Per-cutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in obstructive jaundice by using lumbar puncture needle

To assess the effectiveness of per-cutaneous transhepatic cholangiography [PTC] with 22G lumbar puncture [LP] needle in obstructive Jaundice. The study was carried out at CMH Muzaffarabad and CMH Sialkot from January 2003 to March 2006. Twenty two patients were included in our study who underwent PTC for evaluation of obstructive Jaundice. PTC was done in these patients using ordinary LP needles [22 G] instead of Chiba needle under fluoroscopic guidance. Preliminary ultrasound scan and coagulation profile were done in all patients. Of 22 patients 12 were males, and 10 females, their mean age being 55+ 10 years. Intra hepatic and extra hepatic channels were opacified with 100% accuracy. Growth / masses and stones were commonest causes of obstructive jaundice. Out of growth and masses, cholangiocarcinomas [including Klatskin tumor] and carcinoma head of pancreas were more common. PTC related complications were nil. PTC can be successfully performed in cases of obstructive jaundice with ordinary LP needle [22 G]. This is cost effective, simple and less time consuming