Cholangiography


Cholangiography is the imaging of the bile duct by x-rays and an injection of contrast medium.

Types

There are at least four types of cholangiography:
  1. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography : Examination of liver and bile ducts by x-rays. This is accomplished by the insertion of a thin needle into the liver carrying a contrast medium to help to see blockage in liver and bile ducts.
  2. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Although this is a form of imaging, it is both diagnostic and therapeutic, and is often classified with surgeries rather than with imaging.
  3. Primary cholangiography : Done in the operation room during a biliary drainage intervention.
  4. Secondary cholangiography: Done after a biliary drainage intervention.
In both cases fluorescent fluids are used to create contrasts that make the diagnosis possible. Cholangiography has largely replaced the previously used method of intravenous cholangiography.