ObjectiveTo analyze effect of percutaneous transhepatic choledochus drainage (PTCD) for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. MethodsClinical data of 67 cases of hilar cholangiocarcinoma who treated in our hospital from Jan. 2005 to Dec. 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsOf the 67 cases, 30 cases were performed PTCD, 20 cases were performed radical surgery after PTCD, and 17 cases were performed palliative surgery after PTCD. There were 59 cases who were followed-up for 3-30 months, and the median time was 9.3 months. The median survival time of patients who underwent PTCD, radical surgery, and palliative surgery were 10.2, 21.4, and 8.9 months respectively. The survival of patients who underwent radical surgery was better than those of underwent PTCD (χ2=13.6, P=0.000 4) and palliative surgery (χ2=15.2, P=0.003 8), and survival of patients who underwent PTCD was better than patients underwent palliative surgery (χ2=5.3, P=0.040 1). ConclusionsPTCD is contribute to preoperative diagnosis and evaluation, in addition, it can reduce unnecessary surgical exploration, guarantee the safety of the radical surgery, and provide follow-up care for palliative operation channel which is favorable for local internal radiation therapy.