Percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilatation of strictured hepaticojejunostomies

Strictured hepaticojejunal anastomoses can be surgically repaired with excellent results. However, remedial surgery may be difficult or hazardous in some patients and percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilatation (PTHBD) may be used as an alternative. Three patients with complicated strictured hepaticojejunostomies have been managed with PTHBD with good short-term results. The procedure was safe, technically easy and associated with low morbidity. Although long-term efficacy is not proven, this method can be used to prepare patients for elective surgery or as a definitive procedure in patients who are poor surgical risks.