Cardiovascular and interventional radiology
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Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol · Feb 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyPercutaneous treatment of malignant jaundice due to extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: covered Viabil stent versus uncovered Wallstents.
To compare clinical effectiveness of Viabil-covered stents versus uncovered metallic Wallstents, for palliation of malignant jaundice due to extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 60 patients were enrolled in a prospective and randomized study. In half of the patients a bare Wallstent was used, and in the other half a Viabil biliary stent. Patients were followed up until death. ⋯ Complications and mean cost were similar in the two groups. Viabil stent-grafts proved to be significantly superior to Wallstents for the palliation of malignant jaundice due to extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, with comparable cost and complication rates. Appropriate patient selection should be performed prior to stent placement.