[Palliation of malignant bile duct obstruction]

Bile duct obstruction is the presenting symptom in 40-70% of cases of pancreatic cancer, and in a greater proportion of cases of cholangiocarcinoma. Since the resectability rate is very low, only a palliative procedure is suitable for most patients. In a retrospective study, the results of operative versus percutaneous biliary drainage were compared. After the latter, there were no complications, but hospital stay was longer. Until a better nonoperative palliative procedure is found, operative drainage is recommended.