Purpose: To evaluate the technical success and clinical efficacy of T-configured dual stent placement in the management of malignant biliary hilar duct obstructions with a newly designed stent.
Materials and methods: Between January 2001 and July 2002, 57 patients with malignant biliary hilar duct obstruction were treated with percutaneous transhepatic placement of two self-expandable metallic endoprostheses in a T configuration with use of a newly designed stent. The patients ranged in age from 46 to 85 years and included 37 men and 20 women.
Results: Stent placement with two endoprostheses was successful in all patients. The mean survival and stent patency times were 193.6 days (range, 7-442 days) and 170.3 days (range, 7-305 days), respectively. There were no statistical differences in age, sex, or Bismuth type.
Conclusion: T-configured dual stent placement with a newly designed stent is simple, safe, and reliable in achieving bilateral internal bile drainage in patients with malignant biliary hilar obstructions.