Percutaneous Management of Benign Biliary Strictures

Benign biliary strictures are often due to a variety of etiologies, most of which are iatrogenic. Clinical presentation can vary from asymptomatic disease with elevated liver enzymes to obstructive jaundice and recurrent cholangitis. Diagnostic imaging methods, such as ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (cholangiopancreatography), are used to identify stricture location, extent, and possible source of biliary obstruction. The management of benign biliary strictures requires a multidisciplinary team approach and include endoscopic, percutaneous, and surgical interventions. Percutaneous biliary interventions provide an alternative diagnostic and therapeutic approach, especially in patients who are not amenable to endoscopic evaluation. This review provides an overview of benign biliary strictures and percutaneous management by interventional radiologists. Diagnostic evaluation with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and treatment options, including biliary drainage, balloon dilation, retrievable/biodegradable stents, and other innovative minimally invasive options, are discussed.