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Catheterization and Drainage Treatments (Cysts, Abscesses, Biliary and Urinary Tracts – PTK, Nephrostomy, etc.)

Catheterization and drainage procedures are minimally invasive treatment methods used to remove abnormal fluid accumulations in the body and restore the normal function of organs or systems. These procedures are particularly used in the treatment of conditions that cause fluid buildup in areas such as cysts, abscesses, bile ducts, and urinary tracts. Compared to surgery, interventional radiology procedures carry lower risk, have a shorter recovery period, and a lower likelihood of complications (side effects).

What Are Drainage and Catheterization?

Drainage is a procedure performed to remove accumulated fluids from the body. It is commonly used for cysts, abscesses, urinary tract obstructions, or bile accumulation due to blockages in the biliary system. This procedure helps eliminate fluid buildup caused by obstructions and accelerates the patient’s recovery process.

Catheterization refers to the insertion of a thin tube (catheter) into an organ to facilitate drainage.

Types of Catheterization and Drainage

Common Methods and Treatment Areas for Catheterization and Drainage:

1. PTK (Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography and Biliary Drainage)

How It’s Done: When bile flow is blocked due to a bile duct obstruction, a needle is inserted percutaneously (through the skin) to visualize the bile ducts. This procedure is called percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. A guidewire is then passed through the blocked area, and a catheter is placed over the wire to allow bile to flow into the intestine. If the blocked segment cannot be crossed, the catheter is placed over the wire to drain bile externally.

Treatment Areas:

  • Bile duct stones

  • Tumors

  • Strictures blocking bile flow

Advantages:

  • Minimally invasive

  • Short recovery time

  • Can be performed in patients unsuitable for surgery or endoscopy

2. Nephrostomy

What It Is: A procedure in which a catheter is placed into the kidney to treat obstructions or infections, redirecting urine externally.

Treatment Areas:

  • Kidney stones

  • Tumors

  • Urinary tract obstructions or kidney infections

Advantages:

  • Restores urine flow and accelerates infection recovery

  • Minimally invasive with a low complication rate

3. Abscess and Cyst Drainage

How It’s Done: A catheter is placed into the abscess or cyst under ultrasound or CT guidance to drain accumulated fluid. Removing the infected fluid reduces healing time and relieves pressure and pain. Collected fluid can be analyzed for bacteria, allowing targeted antibiotic therapy.

Treatment Areas:

  • Cysts and abscesses

  • Fluid collections in internal organs

Advantages:

  • Shortens recovery time for infection and inflammation

  • Low risk of complications due to imaging guidance

4. Bladder and Urinary Tract Catheterization

How It’s Done: When urine cannot pass due to bladder emptying problems or urinary tract obstruction, a catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine. If the urethra is inaccessible, the catheter is placed directly into the bladder for external drainage.

Treatment Areas:

  • Bladder or urinary tract tumors

  • Urinary tract infections

  • Enlarged prostate, prostate tumors, or postoperative urinary retention

Advantages:

  • Quick procedure

  • Low risk of complications

  • Provides rapid relief for patients

Advantages of Catheterization and Drainage

  • Minimally Invasive: Catheterization and drainage procedures are performed under imaging guidance using a thin catheter or needle, making them less risky compared to surgery.

  • Rapid Recovery: Recovery time is significantly shorter than that of surgical procedures.

  • Pain and Risk Reduction: These procedures can be performed without general anesthesia, and the risk of complications is lower.

  • Effective Treatment: Accumulated fluids are quickly drained, reducing the risk of infection and secondary complications. Additionally, organ functions improve rapidly.

Risks of Catheterization and Drainage

  • Infection Risk: There is a risk of infection during catheter placement, but this can be minimized with proper hygiene and care.

  • Bleeding Risk: Although the likelihood of damaging blood vessels or organs is low, bleeding can occur in any procedure.

  • Catheter Blockage, Displacement, or Dislodgement:

  • Since one end of the catheter remains outside the skin, patient movements can change its position or cause it to come out completely.

  • In cases of thick fluid or bleeding, the holes at the catheter tip may become blocked, preventing it from functioning properly. In such cases, the catheter may need to be flushed or occasionally replaced.

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