Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for distal malignant biliary stricture.

Endoscopic biliary stent placement is widely accepted as palliation for malignant biliary obstruction or as a treatment of benign biliary stricture. Although various biliary stent designs have become available since self-expandable metallic stents were introduced, no single ideal stent has been developed. An ideal stent should be patent until death, or surgery, in patients with resectable malignant biliary obstruction. Fewer complications, maneuverability, cost-effectiveness, and removability are also important factors. Alternatively, should we develop a novel method for biliary drainage other than biliary stenting via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography? This article reviews the current status of biliary stenting for malignant biliary obstructions.