Percutaneous metallic self-expandable endoprostheses in malignant hilar biliary obstruction

Forty-five patients with malignant hilar obstruction were treated with a total of 68 percutaneously inserted metallic self-expandable endoprostheses (Wallstents) for palliative biliary drainage. The stent diameter was 1 cm; the length was 3.5 to 10.5 cm. Early complications occurred in seven patients (16%), including cholangitis in four patients (9%). The 30-day mortality rate was 9%, with two procedure-related deaths (4%). Of the 45 patients, 29 died between 10 and 550 days (median, 126 days) after stent insertion. Reobstruction occurred in 13 of these patients after 26 to 184 days (median, 105 days). Sixteen patients were alive 44 to 737 days (median, 305 days) after stent insertion. Reobstruction occurred in four patients after 142 to 279 days (median, 246 days). The cause of reobstruction was proximal overgrowth in seven patients; distal overgrowth in four patients; and tumor ingrowth and proximal overgrowth, tumor ingrowth, hemobilia, and angling of the stent in one patient each. The cause of reobstruction was not established in two patients. Reintervention was performed in 14 patients (31%). Because reobstruction of Wallstent endoprostheses is primarily not stent-related but rather is caused by tumor progression, and because insertion and reintervention is easier, we consider the use of the Wallstent in malignant hilar biliary obstruction advantageous in comparison with plastic stents.