Intraductal ultrasonography in six patients with endoscopic biliary stenting

The development of endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS), using the Wallstent, to treat patients with obstructive jaundice secondary to unresectable tumors of the pancreas or biliary ducts has led to improved quality of life in these patients. We followed six patients with intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) after insertion of a Wallstent. In two patients, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) was also performed, and in three patients IDUS was repeated every few months. IDUS allowed ingrowth of the tumor or formation of debris in the stent to be observed clearly and easily. Therefore IDUS was considered to be a powerful tool to follow patients after stenting and to decide on the next treatment when reobstruction occurred.