title: Endoscopic stenting for post-operative biliary strictures.
abstract: This study evaluates the efficacy of endoscopic stenting in 70 patients with noncomplete post-operative biliary strictures. The treatment consisted of placement of two 10 F gauge straight endoprostheses with elective exchange trimonthly, for a 1-year period. Successful endoprosthesis placement was accomplished in 66 of 70 patients (94%). In all 66 patients jaundice subsided. During the stenting period six patients had an operation and six died. In 46 patients the endoprostheses were removed. The mean period of follow-up was 42 months (range, 4 to 99 months). Excellent (asymptomatic, normal, or stable liver enzymes) and good (only one episode of cholangitis) responses were achieved in 83%; restricturing occurred after stent removal in 17%. Prolonged biliary stenting appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality for benign post-operative strictures and a valid alternative to surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hepato-gastroenterology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Davids
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Rauws
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Coene
authors.forename: G N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Tytgat
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Huibregtse
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D002758:Cholangiography; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015607:Stents