A Case of Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Papillary Balloon Dilatation / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) fails occasionally due to a surgically altered anatomy, periampullary diverticulum, difficult cannulation, or poor general condition of the patient. In these cases, alternative treatment options are necessary, including percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder biliary drainage (PTGBD). Here, we report a case of cholangitis treated with percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder papillary balloon dilatation (PTGBPBD). A 61-year-old male was admitted for cholangitis associated with biliary sludge. ERCP cannulation had failed due to the position of the papilla within a large periampullary diverticulum, and PTBD had failed due to a non-dilated intrahepatic bile duct. Following PTGBD, papillary balloon dilatation was completed successfully through the PTGBD tract. The patient tolerated the procedure and was discharged without complications. We conclude that PTGBPBD is an acceptable and safe procedure in a patient with cholangitis who underwent failed ERCP or PTBD procedures.