Magnetic Compression Anastomosis: A Novel Technique for Canalization of Severe Hilar Bile Duct Strictures

Abstract

Endoscopic drainage and/or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is essential treatment for obstructive jaundice in patients with malignant hilar bile duct obstruction [1] [2] [3] [4]. On rare occasions, however, it proves impossible to canalize severe bile duct strictures using a combined endoscopic and percutaneous technique. Recently, Yamanouchi's nonsurgical magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) technique was developed to create a sutureless anastomosis between various hollow viscera in conjunction with an interventional radiological technique [5] [6] [7].