[Self-expandable metallic biliary endoprosthesis in malignant obstructive jaundice].
BACKGROUND
Implantation of metallic stents for malignant biliary strictures has been recognized to be effective alternatives.


OBJECTIVE
To show our experience in metallic stents for palliation of malignant biliary strictures.


METHODS
Seventy three patients (38 males, 35 females, mean age 64.26) with malignant biliary strictures have been treated by implantation of metallic stents. Causes of obstruction were pancreatic carcinoma (23/73, 31.5%), bile duct carcinoma (31/73, 42.5%), carcinoma of ampula of Vater (11/73, 15%) and Klatskin tumor (3/73, 4.1%).


RESULTS
Endoscopic procedure was successful in all cases. Neither procedure-related morbidity nor mortality was observed. Life surviving curve was 9 months and showed significant difference (p < 0.0071) in patients with carcinoma of ampula of Vater.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-expanding metal endoprosthesis is a recognized method of palliation in malignant biliary obstruction. It efficiently relieves jaundice and generally improves comfort and nutritional status during the patient's remaining lifetime. The metallic stents are advantageous in patients surviving 6 months or less.
Güitrón-Cantú
Alfredo
A
Departamento de Endoscopia Digestiva, Hospital de Especialidades No. 71, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Torreón, Coah.
Adalid-Martínez
Raúl
R
Gutiérrez-Bermúdez
José A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D041781:Jaundice, Obstructive / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D015607:Stents