title: Biliary endoprostheses in tumors at the hepatic duct bifurcation.
abstract: In 51 patients with tumors at the hepatic duct bifurcation, endoprostheses were transhepatically inserted into the bile ducts. Patients with Bismuth-3-tumors (i.e. bilateral biliary obstruction) were treated by insertion of 2 or more endoprostheses. Long-term success presumed drainage of all obstructed ducts, because cholangitis has been a common problem secondary to undrained segments. Furthermore the debris and the high viscosity of infected bile increased the risk for obstruction of the endoprostheses, which was observed in 6%. The mean time of survival was 7 months with a maximum of 26 months. In our experience endoprostheses can be used successfully in unresectable Klatskin tumours, which increases the comfort for the patients in their last months of life.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002761:Cholangitis / Q000209:etiology; D003138:Common Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011108:Polymers; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011140:Polyurethanes; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011095:Polyethylenes; D011108:Polymers; D011140:Polyurethanes; C048365:percuflex TM; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene