Q&A

The biliary tract/gallbladder have historically been systems that IR was only able to decompress by drainage and stenting. IR has a growing role in managing these patients with malignant/benign strictures, bile leaks, and gallstones. Percutaneous endoscopy has increased the role of IR in patients with “chronic biliary/gallbladder drains”, decreasing dwell time of drains and improve patient quality of life. Cholangioscopic biopsies, lithotripsy, endobiliary radiofrequency ablation, laser stricturotomy, and stenting (plastic and metal) will be discussed.