Efficacy and Long-Term Outcomes of Side-by-Side Self-Expandable Metal Stent Placement Using a 2-Channel Endoscope for Unresectable Malignant Hilar Biliary Obstruction Occurring After Billroth II Reconstruction (with Video).

BACKGROUND: Long-term studies evaluating self-expandable metal stents in patients who have unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (UMHBO) after surgical reconstruction of the intestine remain inadequate. We developed a side-by-side (SBS) technique using a two-channel endoscope to place self-expandable metal stents in patients with UMHBO occurring after Billroth II reconstruction.

AIMS: We validated the long-term outcomes obtained with this technique.

METHODS: The study group comprised seven patients with UMHBO in whom we attempted to place metal stents by the SBS technique using a two-channel scope. The procedure was validated retrospectively.

RESULTS: The technical success rate was 86% and functional success rate was 100%. The median time to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) was 222 days (95% CI 4.9-439.1). Besides RBO, there were no other complications.

CONCLUSIONS: The SBS procedure performed using a two-channel scope is a safe and useful new technique for the treatment of UMHBO occurring after Billroth II reconstruction.