Palliative segment III biliary bypass (left cholangio-jejunostomy) in malignant block at porta hepatis

Segment III cholangio-enteric anastomosis was performed in 17 patients with obstructive jaundice due to unresectable malignancies at the porta hepatis. The operative mortality was 6% (1/17) and morbidity 30% (5/17). More than 50% fall in bilirubin level with symptomatic improvement in pruritus was seen in 13 patients. Three patients had 25%-50% fall in bilirubin level. This procedure is safe and effective in palliation of unresectable hilar obstruction.