Decompression of malignant biliary obstruction by duodenoscopic intubation of bile duct

Interest is increasing in non-operative methods of relieving malignant obstruction of the bile duct, and drainage tubes and prostheses may be placed in the bile duct via the percutaneous transhepatic route. Two cases are described, however, in which a duodenoscope was used and the approach was via the papilla of Vater. This method allows temporary or permanent drainage tubes to be placed through malignant strictures. This endoscopic approach is less invasive and should be safer than that by the transhepatic route; furthermore, removing and replacing a blocked endoprosthesis should be easier. Further study is needed, as the procedure is technically more difficult and its role in managing biliary strictures has yet to be defined.