Three cases in which plasmapheresis was effective for persistent obstructive jaundice due to malignant biliary obstruction after biliary drainage.

We describe three cases in which plasmapheresis was effective for persistent obstructive jaundice, even after biliary drainage. All three cases involved resectable or borderline resectable malignant tumors that caused obstructive jaundice. Jaundice is refractory to biliary drainage and medication and results in prolonged hyperbilirubinemia. Plasmapheresis led to improvements in all cases. Plasmapheresis may be a treatment option for persistent obstructive jaundice resistant to standard therapies.