BUTTON SELF-RETAINING DRAINAGE CATHETER

To help improve patient acceptance of long-term internal/external cath eter access to the biliary tract in those with benign biliary obstruct ion, a simple design allows the catheter end to remain flush with the skin. It consists of a clothes button affixed to the drainage catheter with a wood screw after the catheter has been cut off al the skin exi t. This button/screw device has been used successfully in 22 patients over the last 10 years; catheter exchanges were easily accomplished.