Endoscopic palliative drainage of the bile ducts

Initial results of palliative endoscopic retrograde drainage of the common bile duct are reported. In 12 out of 19 patients the treatment was successful (63% cases). In every case the serum bilirubin level quickly decreased to normal values. The life span of the endoprostheses lasted on average for 3 months. No fatal complications occurred in connexion with prosthesis implantation. Endoscopic drainage of the common bile duct in patients with an inoperable tumour of the biliary tract represents an alternative procedure to palliative surgery in the management of malignant occlusion icterus.