[Percutaneous treatment of malignant stenoses of the biliary tract]

Experience with treatment of more than 800 patients with malignant stenosis of the biliary tract is reviewed. The significance of complex treatment using simple internal or external drainage, stent introduction, brachytherapy, percutaneous actinotherapy and locoregional chemotherapy is presented. Advantages of individual percutaneous methods are compared and indications for using metallic stent in patients with malignant stenosis of the biliary tract are evaluated. Significance and indications for the percutaneous treatment is discussed and its advantages are compared with the endoscopic approach.