Hepatobiliary Interventions

These are minimally invasive procedures to treat blockages of the bile ducts in the liver or gall bladder, as well as drain cysts or other abscesses.

A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a treatment for portal hypertension. During the procedure, a direct link is formed between a hepatic vein and a branch of the portal vein, allowing a portion of the portal flow to bypass the liver. 

When non-invasive imaging techniques of the bile ducts are not successful, a percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) may be performed. It is used to detect problems such as obstructions and leaks.

To treat an obstruction within the bile ducts, a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTCD) may be performed. Often, this is performed in conjunction with a palliative biliary stent insertion, which is used to help keep the bile duct open and functioning.