Biliary Tube Placement

What Is A Biliary Tube Placement?

A biliary tube is placed to drain bile from the biliary system when a blockage is present.

Before The Procedure

Do not eat 8 hours before and drink 4 hours before your procedure is scheduled. Certain medications may increase your risk of bleeding and may need to be held prior to your procedure. You may resume these medications the day after your procedure unless otherwise instructed.

During The Procedure

Sedation and pain medication are provided for your comfort. An area on the right abdomen is cleaned and numbed. A needle is inserted into the biliary system and a tube with a drainage bag is placed to drain the bile. Sometimes the tube is capped and opened when needed. The procedure may take 1-2 hours.

After The Procedure

Orders may be placed to flush the tube daily with saline. Avoid kinking or pulling on the tube. You should not take a tub bath or soak in water, but you may shower.

Call your doctor for all the following situations:

• If you have any signs of infection at the insertion site such as redness, swelling, drainage or fever.
• If the holes in the catheter become blocked and you experience symptoms that include fever, chills, abdominal pain, jaundice or leaking around the catheter.
• If the tube is pulled out partially or completely.

You will be scheduled for follow-up appointments to manage this tube. If you have any questions about this procedure, please discuss them with your doctor.