Transpapillary & transluminal drainage for malignant hilar biliary obstruction

Abstract

The survival duration of patients with cancer has been improved by advances in chemotherapy. Therefore, the stenting strategy for malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) needs to be considered with re-intervention after stent occlusion. However, in MHBO, it is difficult to assess lesion extent and drainage area, and the treatment strategy differs from case to case because of the variety of stent types and placements. We believe that exchangeable stents will become the standard treatment modality for MHBO. For re-intervention, the treatment strategy must be reviewed to maximize the patient's quality of life. We present the latest findings on transpapillary and transluminal drainage for MHBO, with a focus on unresectable cases. However, because many matters have not been established, further evidence is needed.