EFFICACY OF PLASTIC STENTS REPLACED AT REGULAR INTERVALS IN UNRESECTABLE HILAR CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA

Malignant biliary obstruction from hilar cholangiocarcinoma are often not amenable to surgical intervention. Biliary stenting can be used to improve cholestatic symptoms and overall quality of life. At our center, the practice is to place plastic stents across hilar strictures and replace them at regular intervals in lieu of uncovered metal stents. We believe this allows for better management of episodes of cholangitis when they occur, and allows management of evolving hilar strictures if they progress.