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©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jul 28, 2014; 20(28): 9345-9353
Published online Jul 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i28.9345
Published online Jul 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i28.9345
Managing malignant biliary obstruction in pancreas cancer: Choosing the appropriate strategy
Brian R Boulay, Mayur Parepally, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
Author contributions: Boulay BR and Parepally M performed literature search and contributed equally to the creation of this topic highlight.
Correspondence to: Brian R Boulay, MD, MPH, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, 840 S Wood Street, MC 716, Chicago, IL 60612, United States. bboulay24@gmail.com
Received: October 29, 2013
Revised: January 30, 2014
Accepted: March 12, 2014
Published online: July 28, 2014
Revised: January 30, 2014
Accepted: March 12, 2014
Published online: July 28, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Biliary obstruction is a common problem in pancreatic malignancy. Relief of obstruction is commonly performed using endoscopic stent placement. Clinical setting determines the strategy, including whether decompression is needed and which stent type is most appropriate. Self-expanding metallic stents have longer patency than plastic stents and are preferred in most settings. When endoscopic therapy fails, percutaneous or surgical strategies may be used.