Percutaneous brush biopsy and internal drainage of biliary tree through endoprosthesis

Percutaneous insertion of a permanent internal prosthesis for biliary tract decompression was successful in 15 patients with obstructive jaundice. Percutaneous brush biopsy of the obstructing lesion that preceded stent placement in six patients was successful in obtaining diagnostic tissue in four. Both techniques are described in detail with illustrative cases.