A comparison of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in postcholecystectomy jaundice

The Chiba percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (CPTC) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are new techniques useful for accurately diagnosing cholestasis. Both, however, present certain advantages and disadvantages in different clinical settings. In our prospective study we compared and evaluated the two techniques in 21 patients with postcholecystectomy jaundice, analyzing success rate, complications, time spent, and costs. We found CPTC was preferable to ERCP for visualizing the bile ducts and for relative safety. Moreover, CPTC is not only more rapid, but also requires less expertise and costs less.