Balloon dilatation of benign biliary strictures.

Percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilatation of benign postoperative biliary strictures was performed in 6 patients. The procedure was curative in 1 patient. These findings indicate the need for repeated long-term, high-pressure dilatation of these strictures, using an inflation device and pressure gauge. Large catheters should be left in place as stents. Early non-surgical management may improve the salvage rate of this surgical complication.