Intraductal radiofrequency ablation can restore patency of occluded biliary self-expanding metal stents

Background: Endoscopic placement of self- expandable metallic stents (SEMS) is the mainstay of palliative measures for alleviating obstructive jaundice secondary to locally advanced and/or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma (cc). Although SEMS has longer patency as compared to plastic stents, they will occlude at a median of 120 days. Endobiliary application of RFA proved to be safe in pilot animal studies. The aim of the present study to test the safety and efficacy of iRFA to treat SEMS occlusion caused by tumor ingrowth and/or overgrowth in a cohort of patients (pts) with primary bile duct malignancy. Patients and…