Clinical characteristics, aetiology and mortality/recurrence risk factors of acute cholangitis in patients with and without biliary stent.

OBJECTIVES: Acute cholangitis is one of the most frequent complications in patients carrying biliary stents. The aim of our study is to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the microbiological profile and evolution of patients with acute bacteremic cholangitis, comparing them based upon they were or not biliary stent carriers. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients over 18 years-old with a stent placement in our center between 2008 and 2017 were included. We compared them with our prospective cohort of patients with a diagnosis of acute bacteremic cholangitis. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome was clinical cure at day 7, 14-day mortality and 90-day recurrence. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-three patients were analyzed, including 156 in the stent-related (SR) and 117 in the stent not-related (SNR) group, respectively. Stent-related colangitis patients were younger, with more comorbidities and with a greater severity of infection. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were the most frequent isolation. Enterococcus spp. was the third most frequent isolation in SR group but were uncommon in SNR patients; where E. coli was the most prevalent microorganism. Septic shock (HR 3.44, 95% [CI 1.18-8.77]), inadequate empirical treatment (HR 2.65, 95% CI [1.38-.7.98]) and advanced neoplasia (HR 2.41, 95% CI [1.55-6.44]) were independent 30-day mortality risk factors. The 90-day recurrence rate significantly higher in those patients with stent-related cholangitis (29% vs. 13%, p=0.016) and stent replacement was associated with lower recurrence rate (HR 0.38, 95% CI [0.11-0.77]). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and microbiological profile, as well as outcome of patients with SR and SNR cholangitis were different. In SR group, recurrence rate was high and stent replacement was associated with a lower risk.

Clinical characteristics, aetiology and mortality/recurrence risk factors of acute cholangitis in patients with and without biliary stent / Características clínicas, etiología y factores de riesgo de mortalidad/recidiva de la colangitis bacteriana aguda en pacientes con y sin stent biliar

Objectives: Acute cholangitis is one of the most frequent complications in patients carrying biliary stents. The aim of our study is to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the microbiological profile and evolution of patients with acute bacteremic cholangitis, comparing them based upon they were or not biliary stent carriers. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients over 18 years-old with a stent placement in our center between 2008 and 2017 were included. We compared them with our prospective cohort of patients with a diagnosis of acute bacteremic cholangitis. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome was clinical cure at day 7, 14-day mortality and 90-day recurrence. Results: Two hundred and seventy-three patients were analyzed, including 156 in the stent-related (SR) and 117 in the stent not-related (SNR) group, respectively. Stent-related colangitis patients were younger, with more comorbidities and with a greater severity of infection. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were the most frequent isolation. Enterococcus spp. was the third most frequent isolation in SR group but were uncommon in SNR patients; where E. coli was the most prevalent microorganism. Septic shock (HR 3.44, 95% [CI 1.18–8.77]), inadequate empirical treatment (HR 2.65, 95% CI [1.38–.7.98]) and advanced neoplasia (HR 2.41, 95% CI [1.55–6.44]) were independent 30-day mortality risk factors. The 90-day recurrence rate significantly higher in those patients with stent-related cholangitis (29% vs. 13%, p=0.016) and stent replacement was associated with lower recurrence rate (HR 0.38, 95% CI [0.11–0.77]). Conclusions: Clinical and microbiological profile, as well as outcome of patients with SR and SNR cholangitis were different. In SR group, recurrence rate was high and stent replacement was associated with a lower risk.(AU)

Objetivos: La colangitis aguda es una de las complicaciones más frecuentes en los pacientes portadores de stents biliares. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es analizar las características demográficas y clínicas, así como el perfil microbiológico y la evolución de los pacientes con colangitis bacteriana aguda, comparándolos en función de si eran o no portadores de stents biliares. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de todos los pacientes consecutivos mayores de 18 años con un stent colocado en nuestro centro entre 2008 y 2017. Los comparamos con nuestra cohorte prospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico de colangitis bacteriana aguda. El criterio principal de valoración fue la mortalidad a los 30 días. Los criterios secundarios de valoración fueron la curación clínica el día 7, la mortalidad a los 14 días y la recidiva a los 90 días. Resultados: Se analizaron 273 pacientes, incluyendo 156 en el grupo relacionado con el stent (RS) y 117 en el grupo no relacionado con el stent (NRS). Los pacientes con colangitis RS eran más jóvenes, con más enfermedades concomitantes y con una mayor intensidad de la infección. Las cepas aisladas más frecuentes fueron Escherichia coli y Klebsiellapneumoniae. Enterococcus spp. fue la tercera cepa aislada más frecuente en el grupo RS, pero no fue frecuente en los pacientes NRS, en los que E. coli fue el microorganismo más prevalente. El choque septicémico (HR: 3,44; IC del 95%: 1,18-8,77), el tratamiento empírico inadecuado (HR: 2,65; IC del 95%: 1,38-7,98) y la neoplasia avanzada (HR: 2,41; IC del 95%: 1,55-6,44) fueron factores de riesgo de mortalidad a los 30 días independientes. La tasa de recidiva a los 90 días fue significativamente más elevada en aquellos pacientes con colangitis RS (29 frente al 13%; p=0,016) y el reemplazo del stent se asoció a una menor tasa de recidiva (HR: 0,38; IC del 95%: 0,11-0,77).(AU)

Litiasis coledociana de difícil resolución / Difficult common bile duct stones

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el manejo laparoscópico en un tiempo de la coledocolitiasis se acompaña de una tasa de éxito elevada en la mayoría de los casos. Una excepción a esto son los cálculos coledocianos difi cultosos. Objetivo: describir los resultados del manejo de cálculos coledocianos dificultosos. Material y métodos: revisión retrospectiva de una serie consecutiva de casos de cálculos coledocianos dificultosos tratados durante el período 2018-2020. Resultados: 8 pacientes cumplieron con el criterio de inclusión. El manejo en un tiempo por videola paroscopia (5 casos) tuvo un 60% de conversión a cirugía abierta. Los otros pacientes (3 casos) fueron manejados inicialmente con endoscopia biliar por colangitis grave y fueron resueltos luego en forma electiva por instrumentación transcística. Conclusión: esta experiencia inicial sugiere que el abordaje en dos tiempos podría favorecer la resolu ción mininvasiva de los cálculos coledocianos dificultosos.

ABSTRACT Background: Single-stage procedure for the treatment of choledocholithiasis by laparoscopy is associated with high success rate in most cases. Difficult common bile duct stones are an exception to this rule. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the results obtained with the management of difficult common bile duct stones. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective review of a consecutive series of cases of difficult common bile duct stones treated between 2018-2020. Results: Eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of the 5 patients managed with single-stage approach through video-assisted laparoscopy, 60% required conversion to open surgery. The other 3 cases were initially managed with endoscopic cholangiography due to severe cholangitis and were solved with elective transcystic instrumentation. Conclusion: This initial experience suggests that the two-stage approach could be better to treat difficult common bile duct stones with a minimally invasive approach.

Clinical characteristics, aetiology and mortality/recurrence risk factors of acute cholangitis in patients with and without biliary stent.

OBJECTIVES: Acute cholangitis is one of the most frequent complications in patients carrying biliary stents. The aim of our study is to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the microbiological profile and evolution of patients with acute bacteremic cholangitis, comparing them based upon they were or not biliary stent carriers. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients over 18 years-old with a stent placement in our center between 2008 and 2017 were included. We compared them with our prospective cohort of patients with a diagnosis of acute bacteremic cholangitis. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome was clinical cure at day 7, 14-day mortality and 90-day recurrence. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-three patients were analyzed, including 156 in the stent-related (SR) and 117 in the stent not-related (SNR) group, respectively. Stent-related colangitis patients were younger, with more comorbidities and with a greater severity of infection. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were the most frequent isolation. Enterococcus spp. was the third most frequent isolation in SR group but were uncommon in SNR patients; where E. coli was the most prevalent microorganism. Septic shock (HR 3.44, 95% [CI 1.18-8.77]), inadequate empirical treatment (HR 2.65, 95% CI [1.38-.7.98]) and advanced neoplasia (HR 2.41, 95% CI [1.55-6.44]) were independent 30-day mortality risk factors. The 90-day recurrence rate significantly higher in those patients with stent-related cholangitis (29% vs. 13%, p=0.016) and stent replacement was associated with lower recurrence rate (HR 0.38, 95% CI [0.11-0.77]). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and microbiological profile, as well as outcome of patients with SR and SNR cholangitis were different. In SR group, recurrence rate was high and stent replacement was associated with a lower risk.

Perforación de sigma secundaria a migración de prótesis biliar / Sigma Perforation Secondary to Migration of Biliary Prosthesis

RESUMEN Introducción: La migración de una prótesis en la vía biliar es una complicación muy poco frecuente que normalmente se expulsa de forma natural, pero en raras ocasiones puede cursar con complicaciones severas. Objetivo: Describir una complicación rara por migración de una prótesis biliar. Caso clínico: Se presenta un paciente de sexo masculino de 75 años, portador de stent biliar que presenta una perforación de sigma secundaria a migración de la prótesis. Conclusiones: Las migraciones protésicas deben vigilarse y si no se eliminan de manera espontánea o el paciente presenta síntomas, se debe proceder a su retirada endoscópica o quirúrgica(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Migration of a prosthesis in the bile duct is a very rare complication normally expelled in a natural way, but on rare occasions it can lead to severe complications. Objective: To describe a rare complication due to migration of biliary prosthesis. Clinical case: A case is presented of a 75-year-old male patient with a biliary stent who presented a sigmoid perforation secondary to migration of the prosthesis. Conclusions: Prosthetic migrations should be monitored and, if they are not eliminated spontaneously or the patient presents with symptoms, they should be removed endoscopically or surgically(AU)

Un nuevo prototipo de stent biliar cubierto (flower stent) frente al stent biliar convencional en la prevención de pancreatitis y colecistitis poststent / Comparison of Flower Petal Stenting, a new prototype of covered biliary stent, with conventional biliary stenting for prevention of pancreatitis and post-stent cholecystitis

Resumen Antecedentes y objetivos: la pancreatitis y la colecistitis son complicaciones mayores después de la postura de un stent metálico cubierto en el manejo de la obstrucción biliar distal maligna. Se pretende comparar el uso de un stent biliar cubierto convencional con un nuevo prototipo de stent biliar cubierto de morfología en flor con baja fuerza axial (FA) y fuerza radial (FR), y evaluar el impacto de las cifras de colecistitis y pancreatitis poststent. Métodos: se realizó un estudio prospectivo no aleatorizado en el que se comparó un grupo de 18 pacientes con stent biliar tipo flor (SF) con un grupo de pacientes que recibieron un stent biliar convencional (SC) con una relación 1:2, para el manejo de la obstrucción biliar distal maligna. Se evaluaron datos demográficos; el éxito técnico y clínico; así como la aparición de colecistitis y/o pancreatitis, tasas de migración y/u oclusión. Resultados: se evaluaron 18 pacientes en el grupo con SF (7 hombres, 39 %) con una edad mediana de 72 años y 36 pacientes (16 hombres, 44 %) en el grupo de SC con una edad mediana de 71 años. Se presentaron 3 casos de colecistitis y 4 casos de pancreatitis, todos ellos en el grupo de SC. Al explorar la asociación de los aspectos clínicos con respecto al tipo de stent, el análisis multivariado mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en 4 aspectos: la hemoglobina, la longitud de estenosis, la etiología y la oclusión del stent. Al evaluar los tiempos de supervivencia entre los pacientes con SC y SF, no se hallaron diferencias significativas en las funciones de supervivencia (log rank, p = 0,399). En el modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox, solo un aspecto mostró diferencias significativas frente a los tiempos de supervivencia: la presencia de metástasis. Conclusiones: el uso de un nuevo prototipo de stent SF (con surcos laterales) con menor FA y FR se relaciona con un menor índice de complicaciones como colecistitis y pancreatitis en comparación con el SC, en la paliación de las estenosis biliares malignas distales sin detrimento de su permeabilidad o migración y sin afectar la supervivencia de estos pacientes.

Abstract Background and objectives: Pancreatitis and cholecystitis are major complications following stenting with covered metallic stents to manage malignant distal biliary obstructions. We compare the use of a conventional covered biliary stent with a new prototype of a covered biliary stent with a flower-pedal structure that uses with low axial force and radial force in order to evaluate impacts on cholecystitis and pancreatitis after stenting. Methods: This is a non-randomized prospective comparison of a group of 18 patients stented with a flower-like biliary stent (FS group) with a group of 36 patients who received conventional biliary stents (CS group) ratio for management of malignant distal biliary obstructions. Demographic data and data about technical and clinical success including the appearance of cholecystitis and/or pancreatitis, migration rates and/or occlusion were evaluated. Results: The 18 FS group patients included 7 men (39%) and had a median age of 72 years. The 36 CS group patients included 16 men (44%) and had a median age of 71 years. There were three cases of cholecystitis and four cases of pancreatitis, all of which were in the CS group. Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant differences between the two groups in four clinical areas: hemoglobin, length of stenosis, etiology and occlusion of stents. No significant differences were found in survival time functions (Log Rank, p = 0.399). In Cox's proportional hazards model, the only significant difference with respect to survival times was found on the issue of whether or not metastasis was present. Conclusions: The use of the new prototype flower-like biliary stent with lateral grooves and lower axial force and radial force is related to a lower rate of complications such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis than the use of conventional stents for palliation of distal malignant biliary stenoses. The new stent has no detriments in terms of permeability or migration and did not affect the survival of these patients.

Perforación duodenal post-CPRE de manejo no quirúrgico: reporte de un caso / A Case Report of Non-Surgical Duodenal Perforation Following ERCP

Resumen La perforación duodenal posterior a la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es una complicación infrecuente que sucede en un 0,1%-0,6% de los casos. El manejo (quirúrgico o no quirúrgico) depende de varios factores. Presentamos el caso de una mujer que sufrió una perforación duodenal post-CPRE manejada conservadoramente con un stent biliar metálico autoexpandible (SMAE) totalmente recubierto y antibióticos, quien no requirió manejo quirúrgico.

Abstract Post-ERCP duodenal perforations occur in only 0.1 to 0.6% of ERCP cases. Whether these occurrences are managed with or without surgery depends on several factors. We report the case of a woman who had a post-ERCP duodenal perforation that was conservatively managed with a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS) and antibiotics who did not require surgical management.

Complicaciones biliares en pacientes trasplantados: comparación de dos métodos diagnósticos con la CPRE / Biliary complications in transplant patients: A comparison of two ERCP

Antecedentes: Las complicaciones biliares después del trasplante ortotópico de hígado (TOH) son una seria causa de morbilidad y mortalidad. Técnicas invasivas de colangiografía como la colangiografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) o percutánea cursan con complicaciones asociadas al procedimiento. La resonancia magnética (RM) es un método no invasivo, seguro y preciso. Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio es evaluar el papel de la RM y del US para detectar las complicaciones biliares después del TOH y comparar los hallazgos con la CPRE como patrón de oro. Métodos: En el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín-Colombia, el registro de 27 pacientes con TOH entre marzo de 2006 y enero de 2009 que presentaron evidencias clínicas y bioquímicas de complicaciones biliares fueron evaluados con US, CPRE y RM. Resultados: La presencia de complicaciones biliares se confirmó en 26 pacientes (92,6%); las estenosis anastomóticas en 24 (88,9%). Estenosis isquémicas o difusas intrahepáticas en 2 pacientes (7,4%) y coledocolitiasis en uno (3,7%). A todos los pacientes se les hizo CPRE, en 25 US (92,5%) y en 13 RM (48,1%). Hubo una relación de concordancia significativa entre los hallazgos de la CPRE y la RM pero no con el US. LA sensibilidad y especificidad de la RM fue de 80% y 50%, para el US fue de 55,6% y 50% respectivamente, los valores predictivos positivos y negativos para la RM fueron de 92,3% y 25%, para el US fueron de 93,7% y 7,79% respectivamente. Conclusiones: La RM es una útil herramienta en la evaluación de las complicaciones de la vía biliar post-TOH. Recomendamos la RM como el método diagnóstico de elección, reservando la CPRE para los procedimientos terapéuticos

Manejo endoscópico de las complicaciones biliares después del trasplante ortotópico de hígado / Endoscopic management of biliary complications following orthotopic liver transplantation

Antecedentes: Las complicaciones derivadas de la reconstrucción de la vía biliar en el trasplante hepático (TOH) son frecuentes y son causa importante de morbimortalidad. Actualmente, la colangiopancreatografía endoscópica retrógrada (CPRE), por su utilidad diagnóstica y terapéutica, su menor invasividad y su baja morbilidad es una alternativa atrayente en el manejo de las complicaciones biliares. Se pretende evaluar los resultados del manejo endoscópico de pacientes con complicaciones biliares después del trasplante hepático, determinar factores de riesgo y el impacto en la sobrevida. Materiales: Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes con complicaciones biliares después de trasplante hepático ingresados al programa del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, fueran o no trasplantados en este centro, entre enero del 2002 y diciembre del 2010. Resultados: Se hicieron 148 CPRE en 50 pacientes (30 hombres y 20 mujeres). La edad promedio fue 47 años (5 a 71 años). Tiempo promedio de seguimiento 44 meses. Los hallazgos fueron: estenosis biliares 42 (33 anastomóticas y 9 no anastomóticas), fistulas biliares 4, defectos de llenado (cálculos o moldes biliares) en 3 y disfunción del Oddi en 1. Las estenosis fueron manejadas con prótesis plásticas (30 pacientes) o metálicas (12 pacientes), estas últimas desde el 2008. El 94% de las estenosis no isquémicas mejoraron con stent biliar, mientras menos del 50% de las estenosis isquémicas mejoraron. Conclusiones: La colangiografía endoscópica es segura y efectiva para el diagnóstico y manejo de las complicaciones biliares secundarias al trasplante hepático. Solo la edad presentó una relación directa con la posibilidad de complicaciones biliares. La sobrevida del grupo con complicaciones biliares no difiere de los pacientes trasplantados que cursaron sin complicaciones biliares.

ackground. Complications of bile duct reconstruction following liver transplantation are common and are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Currently, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an attractive alternative for management of biliary complications. It has high diagnostic and therapeutic utility, is less invasive than other techniques and has low morbidity. The aims of this study are to evaluate the results of endoscopic management of patients with biliary complications following liver transplantation, and to then determine risk factors and their impacts on patient survival. Materials. We reviewed the medical records of patients with biliary complications following liver transplantation who were admitted to the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe between January 2002 and December 2010. Cases were reviewed whether or not patients had undergone transplantation at this center. Results. 148 ERCPs were performed on 50 patients (30 men and 20 women). Average patient age was 47 years (5 to 71 years old). Average follow up time was 44 months. 42 biliary strictures in (33 anastomotic and 9 non anastomotic), 4 fistulas, 3 filling defects (stones or bile casts) and 1 papillary stenosis (Oddi dysfunction) were found. Strictures were managed with plastic (30 patients) prostheses or, since 2008, with metal prostheses (12 patients). 94% of cases of non-ischemic stenosis improved with biliary stents. Conclusions. Endoscopic cholangiography is safe and effective for the diagnosis and management of biliary complications following hepatic transplantation. The only factor which showed a direct relationship with the possibility of biliary complications was age. The survival of the group with biliary complications did not differ from transplant patients without biliary complications.

Fístula colovesical secundaria a la migración de una endoprótesis biliar: reporte de un caso / Colovesical fistula secondary to the migration of a biliary stent: case report

Introducción: la colocación endoscópica de stents para descomprimir una obstrucción biliar es un tratamiento comúnmente utilizado para enfermedades malignas de la vía biliar y para estenosis benignas de la misma. Se han descrito complicaciones inusitadas derivadas de la colocación de endoprótesis biliares, incluyendo la migración. Se presenta un caso clínico con el objetivo de compartir con la comunidad científica una rara complicación y la única publicada, secundaria a la migración de un stent biliar. Caso clínico: mujer de 47 años de edad, con estenosis de ámpula de Vater benigna, a quien se le colocó endoprótesis biliar, con la cual mejoró clínicamente. Posterior a la colocación del stent se le realizó colecistectomía abierta con exploración de vías biliares. Al año y medio posterior a la colocación del stent, la paciente presentó dolor vago en abdomen bajo y disuria; se le practicaron estudios de imagen donde se observó un extremo del stent biliar en colon sigmoides y otro en vejiga. Se realizó intervención quirúrgica encontrando fístula colovesical, la cual se resolvió en un solo tiempo quirúrgico. La paciente fue egresada con resultados satisfactorios.

BACKGROUND: The endoscopic placement of endoprostheses to decompress biliary obstruction is a commonly used treatment for malignant biliary diseases and is also used in the treatment of benign biliary strictures. Unusual complications of endoprosthesis placement have been described and include the migration of the stent. We present a case to share with the scientific community, an unusual complication secondary to the migration of a biliary stent that has not previously been reported to our knowledge. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 47-year-old female with a diagnosis of benign papillary stenosis. The patient received a biliary endoprosthesis with clinical improvement. Later she underwent open cholecystectomy and common duct exploration. At consultation 18 months later, the patient presents with indistinct lower abdominal pain and dysuria. We performed imaging studies where the biliary stent was observed, partly in the sigmoid colon and partly in the bladder. The patient underwent surgery where a colovesical fistula was found and treated during the same surgical event. The patient was discharged succesfully.

Abordagem percutânea das obstruçõesmalignas da via biliar através da colocação de endoprótese metálica / Percutaneous biliary metallic stents in the management of malignant biliary obstruction

Objetivos: Demonstrar o uso de endoprótese metálica por via percutânea no manejoda obstrução biliar neoplásica.Metodologia: De janeiro de 2004 a dezembro de 2005, 19 casos de obstrução malignairressecável das vias biliares foram encaminhados ao Serviço de Radiologia Intervencionistado Hospital da PUCRS para tratamento percutâneo, com média de idade de 65anos. A maioria dos pacientes apresentavam colangiocarcinoma, totalizando 63% dospacientes. A colocação de endoprótese (stent) metálica auto-expansível (STM) por viapercutânea foi realizada em 18 casos. Todos os casos foram seguidos mensalmente atravésde níveis de bilirrubina e fosfatase alcalina, bem como com controle ecográfico.Revisão colangiográfica foi indicada em pacientes com icterícia clínica ou laboratorial,sintomas de colangite ou evidência de dilatação das vias biliares. Patência primáriafoi considerada como o período entre a colocação do STM e a data de nova intervenção,percutânea ou cirúrgica. Patência primária assistida foi considerada como o período entrea colocação de STM até a morte ou perda do paciente no estudo sem a necessidade dederivação biliar cirúrgica.Resultados: Não houve complicações maiores relativas ao procedimento.Observou-se perviedade precoce de 100% durante controle colangiográfico em 72horas. Foram obtidos índices de patência primária de 94,4%, e de patência primária assistidade 94,4 %, sendo necessária reintervenção em 02 casos. Um deles foi encaminhado aprocedimento cirúrgico de ressecção tumoral e, em outro caso, foi realizada colangioplastiacom balão para desobstrução da prótese por obstrução após um período de 04meses. Nos demais casos, as endopróteses implantadas mantiveram-se pérvias até o óbitodos pacientes ou até o momento do seguimento.Conclusões: A colocação de STM é um procedimento seguro e efetivo no controle daicterícia obstrutiva nesse grupo de pacientes.

Purpose: To present the technical technique and results of the clinical use applicationof using an expandable metallic stents (EMS) for the treatment of to treat malignantbiliary obstruction.Materials and methods: Between January 2004 and December 2005, 19 cases patientswith unresectable malignant biliary obstruction were percutaneously treated in ourhospital. Sixty tree percent of the patients had colangiocarcinoma. Eigtheen pacientswere treated with EMS. Bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured monthlyas well as imaging control with ultrasound. Primary patency rates were consideredbetween the EMS insertion and a percutaneous or surgical reintervention. Assisted primarypatency were considered between the EMS insertion and death or lost to follow-up.Results: There were no major procedure-related complications. Successful deploymentand initial patency of the device were achieved in 18 of 19 patients. Primary patencyrates were and assisted primary patency rates were 94,4%, too. Reintervention wasneccessary in 2 cases. In the others, the stents were effective until death or at the momentthis paper was written of writing.Conclusion: The EMS insertion is a safe and effective procedure.