Percutaneous transhepatic internal drainage using polyurethane double-pigtail endoprostheses

Relief of obstructive jaundice by the percutaneous transhepatic insertion of an endoprosthesis is now a well recognised and common radiological procedure. We report the successful insertion of polyurethane double-pigtail stents (made for transpapillary endoscopic insertion) by the percutaneous transhepatic route in five patients. Our experience indicates that these stents are as effective in relieving jaundice as, and less traumatic and easier to insert than, the larger varieties in common use.