[Use of metal stents in treatment of benign stenoses of the biliary tract].
OBJECTIVE
The authors submit for discussion a group of patients where they resolved a relapsing benign stenosis of the biliary pathways by insertion of a metal stent.


METHODS
Since 1995 the authors introduced a metal stent in 29 patients with benign stenosis of the biliary pathways. In the majority they used a Palmaz stent.


RESULTS
The 30-day mortality in the group of patients was 3.4% (1 patient, myocardial infarction). Two patients (6.9%) died 3 and 18 months resp. after insertion of the stent (pneumonia complicated by a pulmonary abscess, hepatorenal failure). Signs of obstruction of the stent (raised levels of bilirubin and liver enzymes) were observed in 5 patients (17%). In 8 cases (27%) migration of the stent occurred. The follow-up period in 26 patients with benign stenosis with a stent is two months--4 years (mean 19 months). Sixteen patients are followed up for more than 12 months.


CONCLUSIONS
In the treatment, in particular of relapsing benign stenosis of the biliary pathways, specially when located in the area of the anastomosis, insertion of a metal stent is effective alternate treatment.
Válek
V A
VA
II. radiodiagnostická klinika FN, Brno. vlvalek@med.muni.cz
D000328:Adult; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals; D011859:Radiography; D015607:Stents
D008670:Metals