[Endoscopic drainage of the biliary system]

Abstract

Endoscopic biliary drainage, with nasobiliary catheter or biliary prostheses, changed the treatment of biliary problems. The first indication for endoscopic drainage with biliary prostheses ware malignant diseases and then, benign diseases, and recently, the use of metallic autoexpandable prostheses in malignant and benign diseases to avoid stent occlusion. At the same time, the nasobiliary catheter for biliary drainage began to be used first in benign pathologies with good results and low morbidity-mortality. This article reviews the indications for biliary endoscopic drainage, with nasobiliary catheter or biliary prostheses, and the results for endoscopic management employing both treatments.