Sun-Young Park MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Dong Il Gwon, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jin Hyung Kim MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gi-Young Ko MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kyu-Bo Sung MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hyun-Ki Yoon, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ji Hoon Shin MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ho-Young Song MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To compare percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation with the primary placement of a retrievable, self-expanding, covered metallic stent for the treatment of benign biliary strictures.  

From July 2005 to August 2009, this retrospective study included 66 patients with benign biliary strictures. All of the patients underwent percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) under fluoroscopy. Thirty-one patients underwent balloon dilation and 35 patients underwent temporary stent placement using retrievable, self-expanding, covered stents. The major study end points were the primary patency, indwelling period of the PTBD catheter, and possible complications.  

The median follow-up period was 17 months (range, 3—43 months) in the balloon group and 11 months (range, 4—36 months) in the stent group (p = .055). During the follow-up period, 15 patients (48.3%, 15/31) in the balloon group and four patients (11.4%, 4/35) in the stent group showed recurrence. The primary patency rates were significantly better in the stent group (87% at three years) than in the balloon group (44% at three years) (p = .022). The indwelling period of PTBD catheters after the initial procedure could be significantly further reduced in the stent group (median, 2.5 months) than in the balloon group (median, 4.5 months) (p = .001). In the balloon group, significant bleeding (associated with the PTBD) requiring angiographic embolization, occurred in one patient. In the stent group, stent migration occurred in two patients and one patient underwent surgery for stent removal after it could not be removed under fluoroscopic guidance.

Percutaneous primary placement of a retrievable, self-expanding, covered stent showed superior intermediate-term results compared with percutaneous balloon dilation for the treatment of benign biliary strictures. In addition, the indwelling period of PTBD catheters was significantly reduced with temporary stent placement.

The temporary placement of retrievable, self-expanding, covered stents will be more effective or preferable method than percutaneous balloon dilation for patients.

Park, S, Gwon, D, Kim, J, Ko, G, Sung, K, Yoon, H, Shin, J, Song, H, Percutaneous Balloon Dilation versus the Temporary Placement of Retrievable, Self-expanding, Covered Stents for the Treatment of Benign Biliary Strictures.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9007697.html