ENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT of OCCLUDED METALLIC STENTS DEPLOYED for MALIGNANT HILAR BILIARY STRICTURE

Endoscopic management of occluded metallic stents deployed for malignant hilar biliary stricture is technically demanding. Understanding the characteristics of devices such as guidewires, catheters, and stents, and handling these devices skillfully are essential for successful management. The passage of catheters and plastic stents (PS) through the mesh of metallic stents (MS) is the most difficult of all procedures for multiple occluded MS that had been deployed by the stentin-stent method, and requires precise and careful maneuvering of the endoscope and other devices. The order of PS deployment into the occluded MS is also important. The order of PS deployment has to be same as that of the previous MS deployment. Skilled techniques of not only endoscopists but also their assistants are necessary for the successful management of multiple occluded MS deployed at the hilar portion. Therefore, it is important for endoscopists to become skilled in maneuvering guidewires in daily examinations.