Biliary interventions treat blockages or narrowing of the passages between the liver, gallbladder and small intestine called bile ducts. If the bile ducts become blocked, it can lead to inflammation or infection. Biliary drainage and stenting are procedures that can treat your condition and restore the flow of fluids.
When you come in to be treated, your doctor will talk to you about your medical history and perform diagnostic testing, which may include computed tomography (CT) scanning, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
When the bile ducts are occluded (blocked), bile cannot leave the body and builds up. Most often, patient’s skin will appear jaundice (yellow in color); other symptoms can include itching, nausea and tiredness.
When you come in for your procedure, you will either have local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia – whatever you and your interventional radiologist (IR) have discussed. Under image guidance your doctor will pass a thin needle through the skin into the liver and then into a bile duct inside the liver. A contrast agent or dye will be injected to outline the bile ducts and a thin wire is passed through the center of the needle into the bile duct and a drain tube is inserted over the top of the wire.
One end of the drain tube will remain in the bile duct and the other end will stay outside the skin where it will be attached to a drain bag.
During a stent placement procedure a small plastic or metal tube is placed inside a duct to help it remain open or to bypass an obstruction and allow fluids to drain internally.
Under image guidance your doctor will pass a needle through the skin into the liver and then into a bile duct inside the liver. If a blockage is found, a catheter may be temporarily left in the liver to drain bile into the small intestine or a collection bag outside the body. A stent will be placed in a narrow portion of a bile duct to help keep it open, a balloon tipped catheter can also be used to help expand a narrow duct. The stent will remain in place.
Biliary interventions are typically performed as an outpatient procedure and take about an hour. After your treatment, you will rest in a recovery area for a while before being sent home. In most cases, patients can resume normal activities within a few days. Patients may experience some initial discomfort where the tube was inserted through the skin; this is typically managed with simple pain relieving medications.
If you have had a drain placed you will be advised on the care, including how frequently it needs to be emptied.
Whether or not you are a candidate will depend on your diagnosis and consultation with your interventional radiologist. But if you have been diagnosed with a biliary obstruction and are looking for a safe, minimally invasive solution, endovascular procedures may be the answer for you. Call IVC today at 503-612-0498 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
I’ve been a pt of Dr. Pfisters for over 10yrs, during which time he has performed 5+ procedures. As a medical professional myself, I have an exceptionally high expectation of the quality of care I receive, as well…and JUST AS IMPORTANT…the attitude and respect my Dr’s and healthcare team provide! Dr. Pfister and the staff on his team get AA+++ from me!!!!! He is kind, respectful, informative AND an EXCEPTIONALLY skilled interventional radiologist!!! I won’t EVER trust anyone else!!!
P.R.I had a procedure with Dr. Jamie All this past week, and everything about the experience was exceptional. Dr. All is newer to the practice, and brings with him expertise on new practices and procedures (one of which was what I was seeing them for).
From start to finish:
What makes this space, however, is the staff. Patty, my nurse, was amazing. She was calm and efficient, friendly, and took time answering questions and making sure I was as comfortable as possible. She had clearly taken the time to read my charts, which was a new experience for me–generally, when I’ve had procedures, the nurses and doctors have never looked at my charts before and are reading them in front of me. Patty, on the other hand, took time to talk to me about some items in my chart, as well as to go over the procedure with me (it was a new way of performing the procedure for this facility, but she clearly had taken the time to get familiar with the ins-and-outs of what would need to happen, when, and how). She stayed with me through prep, and then through my entire (several hour) recovery, making sure everything went exactly according to plan. She also made me an awesome surgical-glove balloon animal (I am not a kid, but come on, who doesn’t love balloon animals?)! Her thoroughness, patience, and thoughtfulness really made the experience much less stressful than any surgical procedure I’ve previously had.
Then there was Dan, the Anesthesia Nurse (I hope I got that title correct). He was fantastic. It was clear he, too, had read my chart, and he talked with me about everything they would be using and why. I have several sensitivities regarding anesthesia, and have had some pretty horrible experiences, so this was the part I was most nervous about. I’m small, and often this seems to present issues for whatever reason. Not so with Dan. He’d tailored things to my sensitivities, and everything went as promised: I went to sleep easily, and woke up quickly with no nausea. I was fully awake and alert–as though I’d never really had a procedure–very quickly. I even ate a bit before leaving the recovery area. My pain was pretty much non-existent, and was really well-managed over the course of the next couple days thanks to his research on options (I don’t handle narcotics/painkillers well at all).
The surgical theater staff, who you really only meet for a few brief moments once you’re wheeled in but before you are sent to sleep, all took time to say hi, be reassuring, and just generally had an upbeat attitude. Dan asked me what music I’d like to listen to, but honestly, that is the last thing I remember (which is a good thing–no one wants to wake up in the middle of surgery);but, I am going to assume that there is, indeed, music for those patients that are doing something more like twilight sedation. The theater itself was very modern, clean, and stocked with warm blankets for the patients who, like me, prefer toasty feet.
Thank you to Dr. All and the entire staff for making this experience easier and less stressful than I could have imagined it could be.”
S.K.From the time I first spoke to Maryanne who was so kind, and walked thru your doors with friendly smiles to greet me – meeting Patty who was so kind and caring and meeting Dr. Love – great bedside manner and smile and made sure all my questions were answered – and having the port placed with an excellent team – Paul asking me what my hobbies were first thing – I knew I was in the right place! Thank you all, you all are amazing!
AnonymousOne of our best medical experiences during our entire cancer treatment. Thanks so much for everything!
AnonymousThis is for Dr. Pfister. I just wanted to thank him for all the time he spent with us the other week. In all the years I’ve had my vascular problems I’ve never had a doctor really sit down and explain to me the intricacies of what might be going on. I have a lot to think about…but just wanted to say thanks for being so nice and answering our many questions!
L.H.A fantastic group of wonderful people. The procedure was very smooth. When they were putting the port in I felt like I was getting a great massage!! Thank you all!
S.C.Charley was instrumental in getting me scheduled in quickly to get my PICC line removed. She actually worked until late in the day to get the information from my referring doctor’s office. It is nice to know great people like Charley still exist in this world!
K.S.I had my blood clot filter removed on 2/21/18. I was very apprehensive, yet EVERYONE in Dr. Pfister’s office and surgical team helped to make me comfortable. I am extremely claustrophobic so laying down or having something covering my face creates anxiety. Mary Anne listened to my concerns and made sure I was made comfortable and did not feel anxious. The surgical team was amazing, they explained everything thoroughly. Dr. Pfister came in after the procedure to review what he did and discuss any follow up that might be required. I so appreciate the time and attention he gives me as his patient. This was a positive experience.
G.H.110% Thank You! Best unit so far in my cancer treatment. Thanks Dr. Love
AnonymousIf you ever need an Interventional Radiologist for a child I realize it is serious business. I’ve seen Dr. Love go and save a child’s kidney without missing a beat. I could recommend no one better for myself, or for people I love. I think he is a little cool at the bedside, but that’s OK Dr. Love, stay frosty! If you can’t see Dr. Love, one of the other professionals at IVC will be able to help you. Ashley, the dynamite scheduler and one of the other surgeons at IVC will care for you. I’ve had multiple surgeries with this practice over the past several years. Never a hiccup!
S. R. – Portland, ORGreat experience, doctor was thorough in explaining what was going to happen. The nurses were very attentive and made sure I was comfortable and my needs were met. I would recommend this office for any related procedure.
AnonymousEverything went very smoothly. Joe enjoyed the music. Very friendly staff! Good Experience!
J. & E.All staff was courteous and efficient. Good experience.
J. J.Dr. Pfister, thanks so much for your excellent care, removing my chemo port earlier this week. With all your experience and your fine touch, I’m confident the scar will be nearly invisible. Your team, from beginning to end, did a super job with me. Please extend my gratitude to Jennifer, Mary Anne, Todd and Charley. I’ve got a whole lot of living left to do. I appreciate all of you helping me do it!
M. F.Dr. Pfister, thank you for all of the attention you gave to me. I learned lots from our discussion – hearing you speak of ultimate healing was enough to encourage me to do all I can to strengthen those muscles.
S. O.The entire office is one of the most professional, helpful and informative medical offices I have dealt with (and I have dealt with many). Kudos to Jennifer, Henry, and Charley!
K. C.Great people. Great place. Good surgery.
G. G.Patty, Mary Anne and the whole staff was amazing! Best experience I’ve had since being diagnosed with cancer. From start to finish, was great. Thanks.
MMy brother came into Legacy Meridian Park, had a stroke. Dr. Bauer came in immediately, in his work jeans and shirt. He worked with Neurologist Dr. Burbank, developed a plan and took my brother into a procedure where they removed the clot from his head! Very down to earth doctor, explained procedure to family, worked with sense of urgency.
J. P.I want to comment regarding Dr. Bauer of how he was thorough explaining my CT Biopsy and showing me how on the computer he would get the tissue needed. In all the years of several surgeries I have never felt better going in to have a procedure done. His bedside manner was incredible. I wish all doctors were like Dr. Bauer. Thank you for preparing and relaxing me prior to the biopsy.
R.S. Molalla OREveryone did a superb job taking care of me and doing the procedure. Thank You All
K.S.Dr. Bauer genuinely cares about his patients and strives to make sure they understand every aspect of their treatment.
A. L.Dr. Bauer, our family wants you to know how thankful we are to you for saving G.P.’s life and bringing him back to us in normal health. Thank you over and over you are the best!
Family of G. P.