Patient Instructions - Biliary Tube Placement

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

Before your procedure

• Do not eat or drink after midnight before the procedure.

• 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 your procedure

• Sedation and pain medication are provided for 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 your procedure

• The tube should be flushed daily with saline.

• The dressing around the tube should be changed daily.

• Avoid kinking or pulling on the tube.

• You may not take a tub bath or soak in water. You may shower.

When to call your doctor

• Watch for signs of infection at the insertion site such as redness, swelling, drainage or fever.

• If the holes in the catheter become blocked, you may experience symptoms that include fever, chills, abdominal pain, jaundice or leaking around the catheter.

• If the tube is pulled out partially or completely, call the doctor.

If you have any questions about this procedure, please discuss them with your doctor or contact Interventional Radiology in Imaging Services at 320-251-2700, ext. 54413.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your provider.