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Endoscopy 1986; 18(4): 133-137
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1018353
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Endoscopic Treatment of Postoperative Biliary Strictures

K. Huibregtse, R.M. Katon, G.N.J. Tytgat
  • Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Gastro-Entero-Hepatology, The Netherlands and Oregon Health Sciences University, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Portland, Oregon
Dedicated to Prof. Dr. L. Demling on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
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Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

Benign postoperative biliary tract strictures may present with jaundice and/or cholangitis. Surgical reconstruction of these usually proximal biliary strictures carries high morbidity and mortality. In addition, recurrences following surgery are common. We attempted endoscopic therapy in 29 consecutive patients with benign biliary strictures, by the placement of one or two large-bore 10 French endoprostheses. The procedure was successful in 27 out of 29 (93 %) patients.

All 27 had rapid clearance of jaundice and/or cholangitis. Clinical follow-up of 21 patients for at least 6 months (range 6 months to 4 years) shows that 19 out of 21 have good (3) or excellent (16) results. There was no morbidity or mortality associated with the procedure. Although placement of an endoprosthesis in this group of patients is technically difficult, we believe it should be considered as the initial therapeutic modality in this clinical situation.

Key words:

Biliary stricture - Endoprosthesis - Endoscopy