Objective: To determine the usefulness and effectiveness of percutaneous transhepatic intraductal biopsy for fragmented tumors of the icteric type hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and Methods: Eight patients with chronic hepatitis and obstructive jaundice received percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). Intraductal forceps biopsy was performed through the established percutaneous transhepatic tract 1 to 2 weeks later following PTBD procedure. Results: Adequate specimen for pathological diagnosis was obtained in all patients. Transient hemobilia occurred in all patients, and minor complications such as low grade fever and pain were occasionally seen. No major complication was encountered. Conclusions: Intraductal forceps biopsy after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage is a safe and effective method for tissue confirmation of icteric HCC even in cases with bleeding tendency and with the presence of small amount of ascites.