[Biliary endoprosthesis using metallic stents in management of malignant biliary strictures]

Metallic stents were placed percutaneous-transhepaticaly in 65 patients for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction. Fifty-five patients were managed without jaundice 1-12 months (median, 6.8 months) after stent placement. Ten patients had recurrent jaundice due to ingrowth of tumor through the stents. No stent-related complications were seen in all patients. The small transhepatic track required makes insertion easier, less painful, and probably safer when compared with plastic stents, and the large internal lumen reduces the rate of occlusion by encrusted bile. The metallic biliary stent is suggested as an effective treatment for malignant biliary obstruction.