Final answer:
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) is an imaging procedure that visualizes the bile ducts in the liver by injecting contrast dye and taking X-ray images. It is used when other imaging techniques are not feasible or unsuccessful, and can help diagnose various conditions affecting the bile ducts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) is an imaging procedure that is used to visualize the bile ducts in the liver. It involves the insertion of a needle through the skin and into the liver to inject contrast dye into the bile ducts. X-ray images are then taken to assess the structure and function of the bile ducts. PTC is often performed when other imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), are not feasible or unsuccessful. It can help diagnose various conditions affecting the bile ducts, such as gallstones, tumors, or strictures. Keywords: percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, PTC, imaging procedure, bile ducts, liver, contrast dye, X-ray images, structure, function, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), diagnose, gallstones, tumors, strictures.