[Evaluation of a biliary endoprosthesis using expandable metallic stents]

A biliary endoprosthesis constructed of Gianturco self-expanding metallic stents was placed in twenty-nine patients with obstructive jaundice, 27 malignant and 2 benign. All endoprostheses were placed successfully. External drainage catheters were removed in twenty-seven patients. At the follow-up, ranging from two to 59 weeks, the 30 day mortality rate was 7.4%. Twenty-eight patients had obvious clinical improvement with relief of jaundice. Seven patients experienced recurrent jaundice. In two of these patients, the obstruction was relieved by additional metallic stents. The expandable metallic biliary endoprosthesis is suggested as an effective treatment for biliary obstruction.