[Endoscopic bile duct drainage--technique]

The authors describe the technique of endoscopic implantation of endoprosthesis in the bile duct. From 1978 to 1989 implantation of endoprosthesis was successful in 88.7% of 212 patients. One to three procedures per patient were required for primary implantation. 407 procedures were performed; primary implantation, replacement of endoprosthesis and implantation of additional endoprosthesis. The success rate increased from 55% in the first third of the period to 82.4% in the last third. Ten patients had been previously operated with Billroth II gastrectomy and one with Whipple's operation. Implantation was successful in seven of these patients.