[Self-expanding metallic endoprostheses in the palliative treatment of biliary obstructions in nonresectable carcinoma of the head of the pancreas].

OBJECTIVE

A study of immediate and long-term results with the self-expandable metallic stent (Wallstent), in the treatment of biliary obstruction in 25 patients with non resectable carcinoma of the head of the pancreas was carried out. Stent placement was successful in all patients.

RESULTS

Complication rate was 4% (n = 1); one patient had venous bleeding after percutaneous catheter placement. There was no procedure related mortality (30-day mortality); hospital stay was 6, 7 days (2-12). Average survival was 6 months (+/- 2.97). Average patency of the initial stent lasted 5 months (+/- 2.01); comfort index was 83%. Five patients required re-admission. Late complications were cholangitis in 2 and stent occlusion in 4. Disimpaction in one patient and placement of additional stent (PAL-MAZ) in the remaining 3 patients were performed. One patient required surgical treatment; hepaticojejunostomy was performed. Elapse time between prostheses placement and stent occlusion was 3.4 months (2-4.5).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that metallic stent placement has low morbidity without mortality and provide good quality of live. The most frequent late complication was prostheses obstruction.