Malignant obstructive jaundice – brachytherapy as a tool for palliation

Abstract

Purpose: Malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ) is relieved by stenting via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and biliary drainage (PTCD). Stent occlusion rates of 30-45% have been reported in literature due to tumor ingrowth or overgrowth. We prospectively evaluated the feasibility and the role of intraluminal brachytherapy (ILBT) in preventing stent blockage in patients with MOJ after PTCD and stenting.