What does PTC mean in PHYSIOLOGY

Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC) is a procedure performed with the help of imaging technology to diagnose any blockage, abnormality or biliary stricture in the liver and bile ducts. It uses an X-ray imaging technique as well as a special needle to pass through the skin and into the liver so that it can study the bile ducts.

PTC can be used to diagnose issues such as gallstones, inflammation of the pancreas, tumors in the bile ducts, infection of the bile ducts, pancreatic cancer, and stents placed to open up blocked bile ducts.

Physicians may recommend this procedure for people who have acute or chronic jaundice due to obstruction in their biliary tree. People with symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools or unexplained weight loss might also be candidates for PTC.

A thin tube is inserted through your skin and guided by an ultrasound or X-ray image into your liver and down to where your gallbladder connects with your common bile duct. A contrast dye is injected so that images can be taken of these areas.

As with any medical procedure there are risks associated with PTC including bleeding from puncture sites, infection due to unsterilized equipment/area, allergic reaction to contrast dye and damage to surrounding organs.

Prior to a PTC procedure you will likely need lab work and imaging tests done such as a blood test and an abdominal ultrasound scan. You should also tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking and about any allergies you have like drug allergies or allergies related to iodine-based dyes.

After a PTC procedure patients will usually stay in recovery for 1-2 hours depending on how they’re feeling before being allowed home. Patients may feel some abdominal discomfort afterwards which can last anywhere from 1 hour – 1 day but can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications if needed. Patients should follow their doctor’s post-procedure instructions carefully for optimal recovery results.

The images taken during your PCT procedure will need time for processing before results are available which typically takes 24-48 hours after the completion of the procedure. Your doctor will call you when these results become available so that they can discuss them with you further if needed.

If it has been determined that only imaging studies are necessary before undergoing a PCE then usually no biopsy of any kind is taken while performing this particular type of exam - however if it has been determined that there is suspicious findings seen on imaging studies then yes a biopsy may be necessary which could increase overall risks associated with this specific exam.