PROLONGED SPLINTING WITH YAMAKAWA PROSTHESIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF BENIGN BILE-DUCT STRICTURE

Aim: As an alternative method to the operative revision of benign bile duct strictures, we report the use of a large-bore bile duct prosthes is (Yamakawa prosthesis) in one patient. Methods: Bilateral percutaneo us transhepatic implantation of Yamakawa prostheses (14 F right side, 12 F left side) was performed without adjunctive balloon dilatation. T he prostheses were exchanged every 8 weeks under continuous antibiotic treatment and were finally removed after 8 months. Results: Control c holangiography showed a normal intrahepatic biliary system on the righ t side and a 50 % stenosis at the orifice of the left hepatic duct. Fo llow-up over 18 months showed no signs of recurrent disease. Conclusio ns: In comparison to balloon dilatation and implantation of metallic s tents, prolonged bilateral splinting with large-bore Yamakawa prosthes es seems to be an alternative for the treatment of benign bile duct st rictures.