Interventional radiology in the gallbladder

Abstract

This article is a pictorial review of the current status of interventional radiology of the gallbladder. The indications and technical aspects of various procedures are presented. Specifically discussed are: (1) needle puncture for percutaneous biopsy, withdrawal of bile for culture, or imaging of the biliary tract; (2) catheter insertion for decompression or abscess drainage; and (3) gallstone management via contact dissolution, fragmentation and basketing, or contact lithotripsy. The management of vagal hypotension and bile leak, the major complication of these procedures is also discussed.