Endoscopically inserted endoprosthesis in inoperable biliary obstruction

Attempts were made to introduce an endoprosthesis into the biliary tract using endoscopic technique in 13 patients with unresectable extrahepatic biliary obstruction. In all but one papillotomy was performed. Successful insertion of the prosthesis was achieved in 11 patients, 10 of whom had effective palliation of jaundice. Mean survival was 4 1/2 months (range one week-13 months). One patient developed pancreatitis following prosthesis insertion. No further complications occurred in the series. This method is an attractive alternative to biliodigestive bypass procedures in patients with inoperable pancreaticobiliary lesions. When compared with internal and/or external drainage by the percutaneous transhepatic technique the method to place an endoprosthesis endoscopically has several advantages.