A new transhepatic endoprosthesis to prevent dislodgement.

A new transhepatic endoprosthesis, a so-called screw endoprosthesis with a spiral-shaped elevation to prevent dislodgement, is presented. The elevation is created by a silver wire wound around the endoprosthesis. Further, the wire may be used as a marker for radiotherapy or for taking biopsies, and it makes it easier to control the position of the endoprosthesis. The screw endoprosthesis was used in 22 patients, including 9 patients with high strictures in which dislodgement is known to be frequent, and 2 patients in whom previously inserted ordinary endoprostheses had been dislodged. The insertion of the screw endoprosthesis was easy. The complication rate was similar to that of ordinary transhepatic endoprosthesis. No cases of dislodgement were observed.