Endoscopic palliation of patients with biliary obstruction caused by nonresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma: efficacy of self-expandable metallic Wallstents.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an endoscopically inserted self-expandable metal stent for treatment of biliary obstruction caused by nonresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods: Data on all patients with nonresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma receiving self-expandable metal stents between January 1990 and April 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with pseudo Klatskin tumors (metastases in the liver hilum) and gallbladder carcinoma were excluded.