ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the etiological characteristics of infection after percutaneous biliary drainage or stent implantation in patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). Methods Clinical data were collected from MBO patients who underwent interventional therapy in Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, from January 2016 to December 2020 and had or were suspected of biliary tract infection, with samples submitted for bile culture and/or simultaneous blood culture. Analysis was performed for the aspects of positive rate of culture, flora distribution, consistency between blood culture and bile culture, and drug resistance rate of major pathogenic bacteria. Results A total of 219 patients were enrolled, among whom 105(47.95%) were positive for bile culture, and the composition ratios of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and fungi were 64.89%, 28.24%, and 6.87%, respectively. A total of 69 patients had samples submitted for blood culture during the same period of time, among whom 33(47.82%) had positive results. Positive results of both bile culture and blood culture were observed in 25 patients, and consistency analysis showed that the patients with complete consistency, partial consistency, and complete inconsistency accounted for 36%(9/25), 20%(5/25), and 44%(11/25), respectively. Common Gram-negative bacteria were Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae , and Enterobacter cloacae , with a relatively low level of drug resistance to antibiotics including cefoperazone/sulbactam, amikacin, and imipenem. Common Gram-positive bacteria were Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis , with a relatively low level(< 15%) of drug resistance to antibiotics including vancomycin, linezolid, and teicoplanin. Conclusion Common pathogens of infection after percutaneous biliary drainage or stent implantation in MBO patients include Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Enterococcus, and Enterobacter cloacae . There is a relatively low level of consistency between blood culture and bile culture, and thus samples should be submitted for both tests.
ABSTRACT
Objective: We sought to analyze the efficacy and safety of preserving the Oddis sphincter during metallic biliary stent implantation in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective analysis, 133 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice who were admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to January 2017 and who underwent metallic biliary stent implantation were divided into two groups – the Oddis sphincter retention group (n = 55) and the Oddis sphincter nonretention group (n = 78) – according to whether the Oddis sphincter was left untouched during stent placement. The patient clinical data as well as information on complications, time of stent patency, improvement in liver function, and decline of serum bilirubin were reviewed and evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 19.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA, USA) and Prism version 7 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA). Results: The median follow-up time was 9.6 months (range: 1–20 months) and there was no significant difference in general clinical information between the two groups. However, the incidence rates of acute biliary infection, recurrent biliary infection, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, and asymptomatic pancreatic enzyme levels were higher in the Oddis sphincter retention group and the differences were all statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conversely, there were no significant differences in bilirubin decline, liver function improvement, and stent patency between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Leaving the Oddis sphincter untouched during biliary stent placement can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, while there was no effect on stent patency or jaundice relief. Therefore, it is recommended to preserve the Oddis sphincter when the stenosis is more than 3 cm above the duodenal papilla
ABSTRACT
Aim: Self.expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement has been considered as the preferred treatment to relieve jaundice in nonsurgical patients. However, 50% of stents become stenosed within 3.6 months due to tumor ingrowth and epithelial hyperplasia. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a newly designed brachytherapy biliary drainage catheter (BBDC) loaded with 125I seeds for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). Methods: In this prospective study, patients with unresectable MBO underwent BBDC placement after SEMS placement at our center from September 2017 to April 2019. Results: A total of 21 patients with MBO were enrolled. The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cancer antigen 19.9, and carcinoembryonic antigen levels significantly decreased during the 1.month follow.up (P < 0.05). Four patients (19%) had minor complications. During the median follow.up of 299 days, 13 patients (61.9%) developed stent occlusion. The 6.month stent patency and survival rates were 73.5% and 79.2%, respectively. The median stent patency and survival were 279 and 454 days, respectively. Conclusion: The use of BBDC loaded with 125I seeds is a feasible and effective method to prolong biliary stent patency in patients with MBO
ABSTRACT
Malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) leads to obstructive jaundice as a result of bile excretion disorder, which may cause complications such as cholangitis, sepsis, hepatic failure and even life-threatening. Biliary drainage is an effective mean to relieve symptoms and improve patients'quality of life. At present, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the first-line palliative treatment for MBO patients without surgical opportunity. In recent years, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been gradually accepted as an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) in MBO with failed ERCP. The available evidence suggests that EUS-BD might even replace ERCP as the first-line procedure in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction by experienced surgeons. This paper reviews the research progresses of EUS-BD in MBO.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate efficacy and safety of biliary metallic stent placement via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction. Methods According to different methods, 40 patients with malignant biliary obstruction were divided into PTCD group and ERCP group. Patients in PTCD group received percutaneous puncture bile duct drainage (PTCD) treatment, patients in ERCP group received placement of metal stents under ERCP. Results The survival time of the two groups were significant difference (P < 0.05). Postoperative biliary patency time in ERCP group was significantly longer than that in PTCD group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). One week later, the index for liver function of ERCP group was significantly better than that in PTCD group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the incidence of complications of PTCD group amd ERCP group was 30.0% and 10.0%, respectively. The complication rate of ERCP group was significantly lower than PTCD group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The effect of ERCP stent implantation is similar to that of PTCD in the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. However, after ERCP, the time of biliary tract patency is longer with less complications and the index of liver function is recovered quickier than that after PTCD. Therefore, for the patients with malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction, ERCP holds better clinical efficacy and safety.
ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the difference in clinical prognosis of patients with low malignant obstructive jaundice treated by percutaneous biliary stent insertion across or above the duodenal papilla.Methods 56 patients with malignant biliary obstruction were reviewed retrospectively.Stents were placed above the duodenal papilla in 31 cases (group A) and across the duodenal papilla in 25 cases (group B).Total bilirubin reduction rate after 4-7 days of the procedure, biliary infection rate and stent occlusion rate were evaluated and compared between two groups.Results Mean survival periods were 180.3±142.5 days for group A and 178.6±137.7 days for group B (P=0.840).Total bilirubin level was decreased by 42.0±43.6% for group A and by 41.4±28.7% for group B after 4-7 days of the procedure(P=0.950);clinical success rates were 93.5% for group A and 92.0% for group B (P=1.0).Post-procedure cholangitis occurred in 7 cases (22.6%) in group A and 5 cases (20.0%) in group B (P=0.815).Stent occlusion rates were 22.6% and 28.0% for group A and group B (P=0.642).Conclusion For patients with lower malignant biliary obstruction, both of the two modalities of stent placement are safe and effective treatment.Stent placement across the duodenal papilla do not increase the development of stent occlusion or cholangitis compared with stent placement above the duodenal papilla.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the clinical application value of ultrasound-guided intrahepatic biliary puncture combined with internal double biliary stenting under DSA in elderly patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO).Methods Totally 108 elderly MHBO patients received interventional treatment were analyzed retrospectively.Half of patients were treated with ultrasound-guided intrahepatic biliary puncture (ultrasound group),and another 54 patients were treated with DSA intrahepatic biliary puncture (DSA group).After successful puncture,the patients received percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) with 4 methods under DSA guidance,namely internal double biliary stenting,contralateral external PTCD with single biliary stenting,complete external PTCD and external PTCD on the dominant side.The recent complications of intrahepatic biliary puncture at two groups and the curative effect with four methods were observed.Results The frequency of intrahepatic biliary puncture,the dosage of contrast agent,the incidence of pain at the puncture point and hemobilia in ultrasound group were all lower than those in DSA group (all P＜0.05),the successful rate of intrahepatic biliary puncture in first time was significantly higher compared with DSA group (P＜0.05).The liver function indicators at 14 days postoperation and total bilirubin at 21 days postoperation had statistical differences between any two biliary drainage methods (all P＜ 0.05).Conclusion Ultrasound-guide intrahepatic biliary puncture combined with internal double biliary stenting under DSA can significantly benefit elderly patients with MHBO.
ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of covered and uncovered metal stents in treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. Methods 123 cases of malignant biliary obstruction from May 2003 to May 2014. The survival time, the stent patency rates, the effective and biochemical indexes between the two groups were analyze and compared, follow-up period ended in March 2015. Results The level of bilirubin, transaminase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was declined after the covered and uncovered metal stents placed by ERCP, and the results of the two groups had no statistical significance (P > 0.05). Also there was no significant difference of the incidence of postoperative cholangitis and the cumulative survival rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). One year survival rates was related to tumor types (r = -1.55, P < 0.05). Conclusions Covered and uncovered metal stents for malignant biliary obstruction have no statistically significant about remission of liver function, stent occusion and the cumulative survival rate.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the safety and feasibility of endobiliary intraductal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to reopen occluded self-expandable metal stents in patients with malignant biliary obstruction.Methods 11 patients with malignant biliary obstruction and blocked metal stents were prospectively studied.During ERCP, after biliary cannulation, the blocked metal stents underwent RFA using a bipolar radiofrequency probe which was introduced into the stenotic bile duct via a guide wire.This was followed by a balloon to repeatedly remove debris and then endoscopic nasobiliary drainage.The patients were closely observed and followed up.Results RFA was successfully carried out in all the patients and patencies were achieved when compared with pre-RFA.The median post-RFA luminal diameter of the strictures showed significant improvement: 6 (4 ～ 10) mm versus 2 (0 ～ 5) mm, and the mean post-RFA total bilirubin level decreased sharply : (39.4 ± 8.7) μ mol/L versus (130.1 ± 38.2) μmol/L.Following this intervention, 3 patients developed fever, which were controlled with conservative therapy.There was no mortality, haemorrhage, bile duct perforation or bile leak.Of the 11 patients, 3 were dead and 6 were alive at a median follow-up of 187 (75 ～ 304) days.The median stent patency was 135 (75 ～ 203) days and the median survival was 278 (75 ～ 304) days.Four patients had their stents patent at the time of the last follow-up or death.Seven patients had their stents blocked on 113, 124, 154, 203, 96, 135 and 112 days post-procedure.Condusions Endobiliary intraductal RFA is technically feasible and safe to reopen occluded metal stents in malignant biliary obstruction.This efficacy needs to be confirmed by future randomized studies.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intraluminal implantation of 125I seeds strand combined with stent placement in treating malignant biliary obstruction. Methods During the period from June 2009 to June 2013, a total of 68 patients with malignant biliary obstruction were admitted to Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital. Interventional management was carried out in all patients. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 68 patients, intraluminal implantation of 125I seeds strand combined with simultaneous stent placement was performed in 41 (combination therapy group) and only stent placement was employed in 27 (conventional therapy group). The survival time, the improvement of obstructive jaundice, recurrence of jaundice and procedure-related adverse events were recorded, and the results were compared between the two groups. Results Implantation of 125I seeds strand and stent placement were successfully accomplished in all patients. Statistically significant differences in serum bilirubin levels, which were separately determined at 7 days and 14 days after the treatment, existed between the two groups (P<0.05). No obvious marrow depression was observed in the combination therapy group. The median survival time of the conventional therapy group and the combination therapy group was 123 days and 215 days respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion For the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction, combination use of intraluminal brachytherapy and stent placement is clinically more safe and effective than conventional pure stent placement therapy.
ABSTRACT
At present, the percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) and the self-expandable metal stent implantation are commonly recognized as an effective treatment for inoperable malignant biliary obstruction, but the restenosis of biliary stent significantly affect the therapeutic result and prognosis.Percutaneous transhepatic intraductal radiofrequency ablation can be used together with biliary stent implantation, which can prolong the patency time of biliary stent and control the local tumor at the narrowed segment, thus, the therapeutic effect of malignant biliary obstruction can be reliably improved. As a kind of newly-developed therapy, its clinical safety is especially important. This paper aims to make a review about the safety of percutaneous transhepatic intraductal radiofrequency ablation combined with biliary stent implantation in treating malignant biliary obstruction.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the feasibility, safety and clinical effect of percutaneous transhepatic bipolar radiofrequency catheter ablation in treating malignant obstructive jaundice. Methods Twenty patients with inoperable malignant biliary obstruction were enrolled in this study. Of the 20 cases , 2 had biliary stent re-occlusion. Percutaneous transhepatic bipolar radiofrequency catheter ablation was carried out in all patients. The ablation power was 5 - 12 W, single ablation time was 60 - 120 s, the average duration of ablation was 4.66 min (1.5 - 8.5 min), and the mean effective ablation extent was 5.76 cm (4 -10 cm). After ablation, balloon catheter was inserted to dilate the occluded segment, which was followed by implantation of biliary metal stent. The clinical efficacy , safety and complications were recorded. Results Percutaneous transhepatic bipolar radiofrequency catheter ablation was successfully completed in all the 20 patients. Implantation of biliary metal stent was performed in 17 patients , among them balloon dilatation was employed in 11 patients before stent implantation , simple balloon dilatation with no stent implantation was employed in one patient, and ablation was adopted after biliary stent re-occlusion occurred in two patients. After the ablation, no complications such as biliary fistula, biliary tract infections, liver penetrating injuries, peritonitis, etc. occurred. Biliary drainage was successfully completed in all patients. The median follow-up period was three months(0.5-10 months); the stent patency rate at the end of one and three months was 100% (19/19) and 79% (11/14) respectively. The one-month and 3-month survival rate was 95% (19/20) and 93% (14/15) respectively. During the follow-up period, 8 of the 20 patients were alive and 12 died. The median survival time was 144 days (13 - 330 days) and the median time of stent patency was 60 days (30-210 days). Of the 12 fatal patients, 8 died of cachexia with multi- system failure although their total bilirubin level was not elevated during the follow- up period. Conclusion For the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice, percutaneous transhepatic bipolar radiofrequency catheter ablation is a newly-developed, safe and feasible means. Clinically, this technique has already achieved some certain effect although its long-term results need to be further evaluated.
ABSTRACT
Malignant biliary obstruction is caused by biliary tract malignant tumors or by extrinsic compression from pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, etc. Clinically, the disease is characterized by jaundice, skin itching, hepatic failure, etc., and the patients endure a poor quality of life with a short survival time. The key point for the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction lies in dredging biliary drainage channel , timely reducing jaundice and protecting liver function. This paper reviews the relevant medical literature , that have been published both at home and abroad in recent years, concerning percutaneous transhepatic endobiliary radiofrequency ablation by using HabibTM EndoHPB catheter to treat malignant biliary obstruction in order to clarify the fact that percutaneous transhepatic endobiliary radiofrequency ablation is a safe and feasible treatment and this technique can effectively reduce the incidence of re-stenosis of implanted biliary metallic stent.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate curative effects of treatment of malignant biliary and gastric outlet-duodenal obstruction with endoscopically placed self-expandable metal stents.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 17 patients who underwent enteral stenting after placement of the biliary stent.The success rate of insertion,the effective palliation of biliary and duodenal obstruction,the rate of complication,recurrent stent obstruction and the median patency were observed.Results In 17 patients,biliary stenting were all performed for obstructive jaundice and then enteral stents were inserted.The levels of tatal billirubin [from (263.4 ± 62.5) μmol/L to (157.6 ± 25.1) μmol/L],direct billirubin [from (1233.2 ±66.5) μmol/L to (130.9 ± 27.7) μmol/L] and alkaline phosphatase [from (233.2 ± 66.5) IU/L to (130.9 ±27.7)IU/L] decreased significantly (P ＜0.01),and the gastric outlet score increased significandy [from (0.9 ± 1.1) points to (2.1 ±0.7) points] (P ＜0.01).No serious complication in all patients.Lifetime of patients ranged from 70 days to 332 days,and the median survival time was 192 day.Conclusion Combined biliary and enteral stenting is an effective method for palliation of malignant biliary and gastric outlet-duodenal obstruction.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the therapeutic strategies, methods, safety and efficacy of simultaneous placement of sel--expanding metallic stent (SEMS) in the bile duct and duodenum under endoscope for treatment ofmalignant biliary and duodenal obstruction. Methods The clinical data of patients with obstructive jaundice combined with severe duodenal stricture, who were treated with simultaneous placement of biliary SEMS and duodental SEMS under endoscope during January 2009 to June 2012, were retrospectively analyzed. The success rate of endoscopic management, complications, relief of jaundice and results of gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (GOOSS) were analyzed. Results Totally ten patients meeting the criteria were analyzed in this study. The patients included 5 cases with pancreatic cancer, 2 with gallbladder cancer, 2 with cancer of bile duct and one with duodenal papilla caner. Five patients with type I duodenal stricture (without invading duodenal papilla) successfully received biliary stents through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) after placement of duodenal stents. One patient with type I duodenal stricture was implanted with a 9 cm duodenal stent before endoscopic anterograde cholangiopancreatography (EACP), then a SEMS was implanted in the bile duct through endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD). Three patientswith type H duodenal stricture (with invading duodenal papilla) underwent EACP and biliary stent placement through EUS-BD, and then the duodenal stent was deployed in duodenum after EACP. The patient with type m (away from the duodenal papilla) was implanted with biliary and duodenal stents. The success rate of endoscopic management was 100%. Two patients had self-controlled bleeding of intestinal mucosa, which was caused by endoscope friction when passing through the duodenal stricture, but without any continuous bleeding or perforation. Symptoms of jaundice and gastric outlet obstruction were greatly relieved after treatment. Conclusion For patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction combined with duodenal stricture, endoscopic placement of SEMS in the bile duct and duodenum simultaneously is a safe and effective method to palliate dual malignant obstruction via different endoscopic managements.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the safety and clinical effectiveness of biliary drainage combined with endoscopic intraductal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. Methods Eighteen patients with malignant biliary obstruction, who were unsuitable for surgical resection, were prospectively selected for this study. During endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), when biliary cannulation was successfully done, a bipolar radiofrequency probe was introduced into the bile duct via a guide wire. RFA was done under fluoroscopy, which was followed by stent placement. The patients were closely observed and followed up after procedure. Results All patients received successful RFA and biliary drainage. Twelve patients were implanted with plastic stents and 6 with metal stents; 3 patients were also implanted with pancreatic stents. Four patients developed mild complications (2 cholangitis and 2 pancreatitis), which were controlled by conservative therapy. Jaundice was promptly controlled in 61% (11/18) patients. The patients were followed up for a median of 10. 9 months (range 2. 0-15. 4 months). The stent patency rates of 3 months, 6 months and 12 months were 87%(13/15), 64% (9/14) and 25% (2/8), respectively. The 6 month- and 12 month-survival rates were 67% (8/12) and 50% (4/8), respectively. Conclusion Biliary drainage combined with endoscopic intraductal RFA is technically feasible and safe for tteatment of malignant biliary obstruction.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Biliary stenting is the most effective decompressive method for treating malignant biliary obstructive jaundice. Although the main cause of stent occlusion is tumor growth, few studies have investigated whether stent patency is affected by the combination of cancer-treatment modalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of local radiotherapy on metal-stent patency in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. METHODS: Patients who underwent self-expandable biliary metallic stenting for malignant biliary obstruction from 1999 to 2007 were included. Forty patients received chemotherapy and radiation therapy (radiation group, RG), and 31 patients received only chemotherapy (nonradiation group, NRG). RESULTS: The cumulative median stent patency was significantly longer in the RG than in the NRG (17.7 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8 to 33.6 months vs 8.7 months; 95% CI, 4.9 to 12.5 months; p=0.025). Stent occlusion caused by tumor growth or stent migration occurred in two (5%) and three (7.5%) cases in the RG and in six (19.3%) and two (6.5%) cases in the NRG, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The patency of biliary metal stents in pancreatobiliary cancer patients who receive chemoradiation therapy is significantly longer than that in patients who do not receive radiotherapy, which suggests that local cancer control significantly affects stent patency.
Subject(s)
Humans , Jaundice, Obstructive , StentsABSTRACT
Patients with pancreatic cancer frequently suffer from both biliary and duodenal obstruction. For such patients, both biliary and duodenal self-expandable metal stent placement is necessary to palliate their symptoms, but it was difficult to cross two metal stents. Recently, endoscopic ultrasonography-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) was reported to be effective for patients with an inaccessible papilla. We report two cases of pancreatic cancer with both biliary and duodenal obstructions treated successfully with simultaneous duodenal metal stent placement and EUS-CDS. The first case was a 74-year-old man with pancreatic cancer. Duodenoscopy revealed that papilla had been invaded with tumor and duodenography showed severe stenosis in the horizontal portion. After a duodenal uncovered metal stent was placed across the duodenal stricture, EUS-CDS was performed. The second case was a 63-year-old man who previously had a covered metal stent placed for malignant biliary obstruction. After removing the previously placed metal stent, EUS-CDS was performed. Then, a duodenal covered metal stent was placed across the duodenal stenosis. Both patients could tolerate a regular diet and did not suffer from stent occlusion. EUS-CDS combined with duodenal metal stent placement may be an ideal treatment strategy in patients with pancreatic cancer with both duodenal and biliary malignant obstruction.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Middle Aged , Choledochostomy , Constriction, Pathologic , Diet , Duodenal Obstruction , Duodenoscopy , Pancreatic Neoplasms , StentsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The placement of self expandable metal stent (SEMS) is one of the palliative therapeutic options for patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a covered SEMS versus the conventional plastic stent. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 44 patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction who were treated with a covered SEMS (21 patients) or a plastic stent (10 Fr, 23 patients). We analyzed the technical success rate, functional success rate, early complications, late complications, stent patency and survival rate. RESULTS: There was one case in the covered SEMS group that had failed technically, but was corrected successfully using lasso. Functional success rates were 90.5% in the covered SEMS group and 91.3% in the plastic stent group. There was no difference in early complications between the two groups. Median patency of the stent was significantly prolonged in patients who had a covered SEMS (233.6 days) compared with those who had a plastic stent (94.6 days) (p=0.006). During the follow-up period, stent occlusion occurred in 11 patients of the covered SEMS group. Mean survival showed no significant difference between the two groups (covered SEMS group, 236.9 days; plastic stent group, 222.3 days; p=0.182). CONCLUSIONS: The patency of the covered SEMS was longer than that of the plastic stent and the lasso of the covered SEMS was available for repositioning of the stent.
Subject(s)
Humans , Acetamides , Follow-Up Studies , Plastics , Retrospective Studies , StentsABSTRACT
As recent advances in chemotherapy and surgical treatment have improved outcomes in patients with biliary cancers, the search for an optimal strategy for relief of their obstructive jaundice has become even more important. Without satisfactory relief of biliary obstruction, many patients would be ineligible for treatment. We review all prospective randomized trials and recent retrospective non-randomized studies for evidence that would support such a strategy. For distal malignant biliary obstruction, an optimal strategy would be insertion of metallic stents either endoscopically or percutaneously. Evidence shows that a metallic stent inserted percutaneously has better outcomes than plastic stents inserted endoscopically. For malignant hilar obstruction, percutaneous biliary drainage with or without metallic stents is preferred.