Introduction

Abstract

Over the last 2 decades, there have been remarkable changes in the diagnosis and management of biliary diseases. Noninvasive modalities, particularly magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, have revolutionized the diagnosis of biliary diseases. Direct visualization methods such as cholangioscopy are being increasingly used by interventional radiologists. New tools for imaging guidance and duct localization during cholangiography such as cone beam computed tomography are being explored. Owing to these advanced intraprocedural localization and navigation tools, biliary diseases that at one point required open surgical intervention can now be successfully treated by minimally invasive percutaneous procedures. Regarding treatment strategies, new technologies and procedures such as covered and retrievable stents for biliary obstruction and radioembolization for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma are changing the landscape in the management of these diseases. I am confident that this issue on biliary diseases will provide practicing interventional radiologists and interventional radiology trainees an update on the current practice and management of biliary diseases. My sincere thanks to all the authors for their outstanding contributions, Megan Griffiths, editorial assistant, Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic, for her editorial assistance, and Drs Benenati and Kaufman for providing me this opportunity to guest edit this issue of Techniques in Vascular and Interventional Radiology.