Cardiovascular and interventional radiology
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Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol · Nov 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialPercutaneous embolization of transhepatic tracks for biliary intervention.
Significant pain can occur after removing transhepatic catheters from biliary access tracks, after percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD) or stenting. We undertook a randomized prospective study to ascertain whether track embolization decreases the amount of pain or analgesic requirement after PBD. Fifty consecutive patients (M:F, 22:28; age range: 29-85 years; mean age: 66.3 years) undergoing PBD were randomized to receive track embolization or no track embolization after removal of biliary drainage catheters. ⋯ No complications were seen related to track embolization. Percutaneous track embolization after removal of biliary drainage catheters decreases patient's perception of pain and decreases the amount of required analgesia. In particular, the amount of opiate analgesia required is considerably less.