Percutaneous Intraluminal Radiofrequency Ablation Associated With Biliary Stent Placement For Malignant Biliary Obstruction

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous intraluminal radiofrequency ablation associated with biliary stent placement for for malignant biliary obstruction.Methods: Retrospective study of 80 cases with nonresectable malignant biliary obstruction from September 2013 to September 2015 was carried out.Of them,38 patients were treated with percutaneous intraluminal radiofrequency ablation during percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage and inner self-expandable metallic stent placement(observation group)and 42 patients who underwent inner self-expandable metallic stent placement without biliary intraluminal RF ablation(control group).Clinical and telephonic follow-ups were carried out.Procedure-related complications,stent patency time,patient survival time and postoperative biochemical tests were investigated..Results:The technical success rate for both groups was 100% without severe complications occurring.Both groups’ survival times were more than 1 month.The median time of stent patency in the observe group and control group were(6.2±0.4)and(5.8±0.3)months,respectively(Kaplan–Meier analysis: P <0.05).The median survival times in the observe group and control group were(7.2±0.6)and(6.5±0.3)months,with significant difference according to Kaplan–Meier analysis(P <0.05).Conclusion:Percutaneous intraluminal radiofrequency ablation associated with biliary stent placement is an safe and effective option for malignant biliary obstruction.It can prolong stent patency time and survival time.