Use of vitallium prosthesis to relieve jaundice in patients with obstruction at the bifurcation of the hepatic duct.
Fourteen patients with hepatic duct obstruction were treated by inserting a Vitallium prosthesis through the strictured area. Eleven had proven cholangiocarcinoma; in 3 a definitive diagnosis wsa not obtained. Jaundice was relieved and patients were afforded good palliation. Obstruction of the prosthesis has not been a problem and the absence of external drainage tubes has been a factor in improving the quality of life of these patients. The simplicity of the operation is emphasized.
D002759:Adenoma, Bile Duct / Q000150:complications; D000368:Aged; D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D001653:Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; D002780:Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D002858:Chromium Alloys; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012086:Reoperation; D014800:Vitallium
D002858:Chromium Alloys; D014800:Vitallium