Balloon dilatation through the subcutaneously placed afferent limb of a hepaticojejunostomy in patients with resected Klatskin tumors.

It is generally conceded that palliation for proximal bile duct tumors (Klatskin) is exceptional if obstruction and the resultant infections can be prevented. Our experience with balloon dilatations thru the subcutaneously placed afferent limb of a choledocho or hepatico jejunostomy in patients with benign strictures suggests that this approach will be effective in patients with malignancies and thus provide long-term control of the obstruction without the need for external tubes. This is a report on one patient who, following a resected Klatskin tumor with positive margins, was treated with transhepatic internal external stents and was converted to a subcutaneous limb following numerous bouts of cholangitis. A schedule for repeat dilatations thru the jejunal limb was established. The patient has remained afebrile with a normal bilirubin and a moderately elevated alkaline phosphatase. Recurrent tumors or postirradiation strictures in patients with resected Klatskin tumors can be effectively controlled by repeated balloon dilatation without the need for external stents.