[Malignant neoplasms of the extrahepatic bile ducts and Vater's papilla: clinico-therapeutic study]

No changes in prognosis of extrahepatic bile ducts malignant tumors was observed in the last years, in spite of modern tomographic procedures: only occasionally an early diagnosis resulting possible. Jaundice is the presentation sign of the disease, allowing in most cases when the site of tumor is the papilla of Vater or distal common bile duct a radical surgery but only palliative procedures when the tumor arises in the gallbladder or at the hepatic duct junction. Survival data from literature and personal experience indicate limited late results for radical surgery together with high operatory mortality. In the field of palliative surgery transtumoral drains appear to offer better results.