Radiology &

Imaging

During biliary drainage catheter placement, a tube is placed directly into the bile ducts of the liver in order to drain bile directly from the liver. Sometimes, this tube drains bile from the liver directly outside of the body (external drainage). If that is the case, the bile will drain directly into the bag that is attached to the tube. If possible, the radiologist may be able to position the tube so that it extends internally from the liver to the intestines (internal drainage). If that is the case, the bile will drain normally into the intestines. Your Emory physician or radiologist will provide you with instructions for care of the drainage tube and bandage.