title: Biliary strictures after cholecystectomy: long term results of a novative endoscopic treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the early 1990's, we devised a novative protocol for the endoscopic treatment of post-cholecystectomy bile duct strictures: the purpose of this article is to assess the long-term outcomes of this approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective review of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent endoscopic stenting. Multiple stents were positioned it iterative duodenoscopies until a maximal diameter was reached. The stents were left in situ for 2 years, even if occluded. A long-term quality of life assessment using the SF-36 health status questionnaire was also performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven patients underwent a mean of 6 ERCP each; a mean number of 6.5 stents were inserted for a mean total French size of 62.8 F. After a mean following of 12.3 ± 2.7 years, restenosis occurred in 1 patient. The results of the long-term quality of life assessment were similar to those of the Canadian general population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The little invasive nature and the excellent long-term results of our endoscopic protocol make it an acceptable alternative to surgery for patients who accept multiple duodenoscopies. The progressive dilatation of a stenosis by the sequential insertion of a continuously increasing number of stents without prophylactic stents changes appears as the key to success.
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brunet
authors.forename: Yvan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Blouin
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mosimann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000628:therapy*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D004384:Duodenoscopy; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents