[Wide-gauge bile duct endoprostheses with a port irrigation system. A new method of prolonging the drainage function]

The maintenance of adequate drainage by the bile ducts is crucial in all the endoscopic or percutaneous transhepatic procedures used today for the treatment of obstructive jaundice. We use wide-gauge polyurethane bile duct endoprostheses (F16; 5.3 mm - F20; 6.7 mm). Occlusion need not be expected to occur earlier than 4-6 months after placement. The implantation of a subcutaneous port system connected to the prosthesis by means of an F5 (1.6 mm) catheter allows not only X-ray examination of the function, but also lavage of the prosthesis and the biliary ducts. It is possible to add bile-dissolving substances, thus preventing crystallization of bile. In this way the patency of the prosthesis can be maintained for substantially longer. This also means a definite improvement in the quality of life.