Aim: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) for malignant biliary obstruction. Methods: A cross - sectional study was conducted on 48 patients with malignant biliary obstruction who underwent PTBD at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from 1/2019 to 10/2021. Indications, technique, safety and effectiveness of PTBD were based on the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) guideline. Study endpoint was the successful placement of the drainage catheter within the biliary tract. A post PTBD reduction of total bilirubin level ≥20% was defined significant. Catheter position, configuration and side-hole modification were decided case - by - case based on cholangiographic findings and treatment purposes. Results: The mean age was 66.4 ± 13.3 years. The mean total bilirubin level was 235.25±129.87 μmol/l. PTBD was indicated as a first-line modality in 89.6%, mostly for palliative purpose (89.6%)
10.4% in emergency setting. Technical success was 100%, 37.5% achieved internal - external drainage. Significant reduction in serum total bilirubin in 78.9% of cases. Multifocal liver lesions were associated with reduced drainage outcome. In - hospital major and minor complication rates were 12.5% and 18.8%, respectively. All major complications were infection - related. Conclusions: PTBD is safe and effective for the management for malignant biliary obstruction.