Objective: The authors submit for discussion a group of patients where they resolved a relapsing benign stenosis of the biliary pathways by insertion of a metal stent.
Material and methods: Since 1995 the authors introduced a metal stent in 29 patients with benign stenosis of the biliary pathways. In the majority they used a Palmaz stent.
Results: The 30-day mortality in the group of patients was 3.4% (1 patient, myocardial infarction). Two patients (6.9%) died 3 and 18 months resp. after insertion of the stent (pneumonia complicated by a pulmonary abscess, hepatorenal failure). Signs of obstruction of the stent (raised levels of bilirubin and liver enzymes) were observed in 5 patients (17%). In 8 cases (27%) migration of the stent occurred. The follow-up period in 26 patients with benign stenosis with a stent is two months--4 years (mean 19 months). Sixteen patients are followed up for more than 12 months.
Conclusion: In the treatment, in particular of relapsing benign stenosis of the biliary pathways, specially when located in the area of the anastomosis, insertion of a metal stent is effective alternate treatment.