Biliary drainage by teflon endoprosthesis in obstructive jaundice--experiences in 69 patients treated by PTCD or ERCD.

In 69 patients with extrahepatic biliary obstruction a specially designed teflon tube, the endoprosthesis, was inserted across the ductal stenosis either by percutaneous or by endoscopic route to reduce jaundice. After gaining experience our success rate of stent placement was more than 90%. Compared with catheter drainage the endoprosthesis worked faster and more efficiently, while in palliative treatment the quality of life of the patient improved and secondary cholangitis was prevented. The rate of significant long-term stent obstruction can be tolerated in view of the expected life span of four months as average in our material.