A case of bile duct cancer treated by laser via percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscopy.

Palliative treatment of bile duct cancer with Nd: YAG laser irradiation via percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscopy (PTCS) was performed in an 86-year-old man. The obstructed lumen of the lower common bile duct, 3 cm in length, was adequately reopened, and a further endoprosthesis insertion was not required. Symptomatic and subjective improvements were achieved with no complications, and there is no sign of recurrence after 9 months at the time of writing. This method of treatment is recommended for bile duct cancers to obtain long-term and adequate bile flow without catheter insertion.