Preoperative biliary drainage in severely jaundiced patients with pancreatic head cancer: A retrospective cohort study

Background: Guidelines recommend against preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) in patients with pancreatic head cancer if bilirubin levels are = 250 and < 250.Methods: Patients were identified from databases of 3 centers. Outcomes were compared in patients with a bilirubin level >= 250 versus = 250. PBD technical success (83% vs. 81%, p = 0.80) and PBD related complications (33% vs. 29%, p = 0.60) did not differ between these groups. Analyzing bilirubin levels >= 250 versus = 250 and < 250. Our study does not support a different approach regarding PBD in patients with severe jaundice.