Interventional radiological treatment of malignant biliary obstruction

Metallic stents have been widely used relieve biliary obstructions as an alternative to plastic endoprostheses. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of the metallic stents in the management of malignant biliary obstruction. If cancerous tissue was present in the bile duct, the stents embedded in the tumor and caliber of the bile duct was smaller than that of the stents. Metallic stents are indicated in case with less tumor in the bile duct. If bulky tumor exists in the bile duct, adequate combination therapy to reduce the volume of the tumor should be required. In the case of inefficient therapy, plastic endoprosthesis or covered stents should be chosen for long-term patency. (author)