Acute biliary interventions

Abstract

Acute biliary conditions include cholangitis, obstruction, and biliary leakage. All these conditions may lead to severe biliary sepsis, which can be life threatening. Infected obstructed cholangitis is a medical emergency that requires active medical therapy and early biliary decompression is recommended. This article provides an overview of the clinical presentations and management of biliary sepsis. The technique, clinical applications, and outcomes of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and those related to gall bladder drainage are highlighted. Future alternatives to conventional biliary drainage are discussed.