Placement of metallic biliary endoprostheses in complex hilar tumours

PurposeTo assess the technical success, clinical success and complications after 1 month of percutaneous biliary drainage with the placement of several metallic endoprostheses in complex hilar liver tumours.Materials and methodsThis is a retrospective study, on a homogenous target population of 68 consecutive patients, who underwent multiple percutaneous biliary drainage for complex hilar tumour (Bismuth type II, III and IV) between August 1998 and August 2010. Patients benefiting from previous endoscopic drainage were excluded from the study. The clinical data, biological data, imaging and interventional radiology procedures were studied.ResultsThe rate of success of the technique was 98.5% and the clinical rate of success was 84% after 1 week and 93% after 1 month. The rate of minor and major complications was 25 and 13% respectively.ConclusionMultiple percutaneous biliary drainage in complex hilar tumour is a safe and effective first intention procedure.