Gianturco Metallic Biliary Stent in Malignant Biliary Obstruction: Results of Follow-up in Dead Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In order to study the patency, restenosis, efficacy, and complications of the metallic stent in the course of treatment of malignant biliary obstruction,the results of follow up of the dead patients after stent insertion were reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Self-expandable Gianturco metallic stent with 10-mm diameter was successfully inserted in 33 patients10 with Klatskin tumor, 7 with common bile duct cancer, 7 with gallbladder cancer, 5 with pancreatic cancer, 2 with recurred stomach cancer, one with periampullary cancer, one with hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS: The overall duration of survival and patency of the stents in 33 patients were 5.2 months(1-12 months) and 4.9 months(1.14 months), respectively. Restenosis of metallic stents was found in 9 cases(27%), after 6.1 months in average. Causes of stent occlusion were overgrowing of tumor in 5, overgrowing and ingrowing of tumor in 3, extraductal dislodgement in one case. Two cases of symptomatic cholangitis after stent placement were successfully treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy. Three cases of destruction and migration of metallic stents were found after 6 months. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our experience, insertion of Gianturco metallic biliary stent is an acceptable treatment method in the malignant biliary obstruction, especially for whom short term survival is expected.