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Intraductal radiofrequency ablation for refractory benign biliary stricture: P ilot feasibility study
Author(s) -
Hu Bing,
Gao DaoJian,
Wu Jun,
Wang TianTian,
Yang XiaoMing,
Ye Xin
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
digestive endoscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.5
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1443-1661
pISSN - 0915-5635
DOI - 10.1111/den.12225
Subject(s) - medicine , endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography , radiofrequency ablation , percutaneous , pancreatitis , refractory (planetary science) , ablation , stent , surgery , adverse effect , balloon , radiology , physics , astrobiology
Background and Aim Endoscopic management of benign biliary stricture ( BBS ) remains challenging. There is no reported method for the amelioration of biliary fibroplasia endoscopically. We report our initial experience of radiofrequency ablation ( RFA ) for the management of BBS . Methods Nine patients with BBS (postoperation stricture four, liver transplant three, and chronic inflammation two), seven of whom had previously unsuccessful endoscopic or percutaneous interventions, were enrolled. Intraductal bipolar RFA was delivered at power of 10 W for 90 s per stricture segment, followed by balloon dilatation with/without stent placement. Results All patients had immediate stricture improvements after RFA . No severe adverse event occurred except for one patient with mild post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. During median ( SD ) follow‐up duration of 12.6 (3.9) months, BBS resolution without the need for further stenting was achieved in four patients whereas two patients had stent(s) in situ waiting scheduled removal. However, one patient had stricture relapse after initial resolution, one underwent surgery, and another patient died of other cause. Conclusions Endobiliary RFA appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of BBS , especially for refractory cases. Further studies are warranted.