The wallstent for malignant biliary obstruction.

The self-expandable metal Wallstent was introduced in late 1980 for the treatment of malignant biliary strictures. The technique of insertion in distal and hilar bile duct strictures is described in detail. The author presents the reported data and discusses the indications for the stent's use. This stent still does not fulfill all the criteria for an ideal stent; further improvements should be made.