An evaluation of Dacron prostheses in the relief of jaundice due to malignant obstruction.

In 26 patients, relief of obstructive jaundice due to malignancy has been effected by inserting a Dacron biliary-enteric prosthesis. All cases were considered unsuitable for conventional biliary bypass procedures. The hospital mortality was 27% and mean survival of those patients discharged was 8 months. Insertion of a Dacron prosthesis may prove an alternative to percutaneous biliary stenting in selected patients with neoplastic biliary obstruction.