Transpapillary bile duct drainage with a large-caliber endoprosthesis.

A new method for transpapillary bile duct drainage by means of a large-caliber endoprosthesis is described. It facilitates the transpapillary introduction of endoprostheses with an internal diameter of 3.5 to 5 mm irrespective of the actual diameter of the duodenoscope instrument channel. The method has been successfully employed in 6 out of 8 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice, uncomplicated by cholangitis. It offers an acceptable alternative to palliative surgical biliodigestive anastomosis.