Purpose: The occurrence of benign bile duct stenoses is mostly associated with prior biliary surgery, pancreatic diseases or sclerosing cholangitis. It remains a challenging problem for gastroenterologists and surgeons, especially in case the endoscopic approach is not possible. The exact role of percutaneous transhepatic stenting for these patients has not been clearly defined yet.
Material and methods: 36 patients with symptomatic benign bile duct stenoses or strictures after surgery underwent percutaneous transhepatic stenting and were studied prospectively. We were particularly interested in how many patients would achieve resolution of the stricture and tolerate removal of the drainage in the long-run.
Results: The primary success rate of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) was 92% (33/36 patients). All patients presented improvement of jaundice and cholestasis. Relief of the stricture and clinical improvement was achieved in 72% (26/36) of patients after a median stenting time of 14.5 (6-34) months. 5.5% (2/36) required further stenting due to a persistent stricture. A clinical recovery without radiological stricture regression after stenting demonstrated 22% (8/36) of patients. Long-term failures were noted in 27% (10/36) of patients after a median follow-up of 48 months.
Conclusions: Percutaneous transhepatic stenting of symptomatic benign biliary strictures is safe and highly effective in achieving adequate internal bile drainage. There seems to be a therapeutic benefit not only for short-term interventional treatment but also as a sufficient long-term therapeutic alternative to surgery with tolerable complication rates.