Placement of Palmaz stents in malignant duodenal stenosis through a cutaneous fistula

This is the first report of palliative percutaneous treatment of a malignan t duodenal stenosis stents. A 65-year-old male with a malignant tumour due to cancer of the pancreatic head with Palmaz of the pancreatic head develop ed an abscess with fistular communication to the cutis. In the subsequent c ourse of the disease, tumour growth led to a severe duodenal stenosis. To d ilate the tumorous stenosis, three Palmaz stents were introduced coaxially into the duodenum percutaneously, via the pre-existing fistula. A technique to pass an almost 90 degrees kink is described. Symptomatic malignant duod enal stenosis was treated by insertion of three Palmaz stents. Due to their accurately controlled passive expansion at the level of the stenosis, and the resulting good adaptation to the individual anatomical situation, they were suitable for application in the duodenum.