Evidence-based recommendations on endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage for biliary obstruction. This involves passing a thin tube (called an endoscope) with an ultrasound probe at the tip through the mouth and into the stomach or small intestine. The blockage is located using sound waves and punctured. A short, wire mesh tube that acts like a scaffold (called a stent) is then inserted into the blocked duct. This allows bile to drain into the gut.

Is this guidance up to date?

Next review: this guidance will be reviewed if there is new evidence or safety concerns.

Guidance development process

How we develop NICE interventional procedures guidance

Coding and clinical classification codes for this guidance.

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)