Percutaneous transhepatic placement of metallic stents in the treatment of complicated intrahepatic biliary stricture with hepatolithiasis: A preliminary report

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study the effect of the metallic modified Gianturco-Rosch Z-stent in the management of refractory intrahepatic long- segment biliary strictures with hepatolithiasis. METHODS: Six symptomatic patients with hepatolithiasis and coexisting intrahepatic long-segment biliary strictures, who failed to respond to the silastic external-internal biliary stenting, were selected. The metallic modified Gianturco-Rosch Z- stent was placed via percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography at the strictured site. Patients were followed regularly to evaluate for recurrence of cholangitis, stones, or strictures. RESULTS: No complications were observed during the procedures. No recurrent strictures or formed calculi were found in these six patients during follow-up periods of 29 to 64 months. However, cholangitis and intrahepatic biliary muddy sludge occurred at 7 and 30 months in two patients after the placement of the metallic Z-stent. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy was used to clear sludge completely. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that the metallic stent is a well- tolerated and promising alternative in the management of refractory intrahepatic long-segment biliary strictures with hepatolithiasis. Though biliary sludge may develop, it can be detected and cleared early. Repeated surgery can thus be avoided.