Biliary obstruction. Nonsurgical treatment with endoscopic and radiologic techniques.

Several methods and combinations of techniques are available to treat biliary obstruction. The approach to treatment should be determined by the patient's situation and the expertise available in the various treatment options rather than by adherence to a standard plan. Clinical outcomes reported in the literature reflect results achieved by experts, and traditional surgical approaches may be most appropriate if experience with endoscopic and radiologic techniques is lacking in the patient's community. Various methods can often be used in a complementary or sequential fashion to provide optimal patient care.