Biliary stenosis: Balloons in the bile duct

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Abstract
Five patients with benign strictures of the biliary tract were treated by Gruntzig balloon dilation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. All of the strictures were effectively dilated. One patient with a retained stone in the proximal biliary tree underwent surgery 3 weeks after the dilation because of cholangitis. The other four patients were well at a mean follow-up of 6 months. There were no complications related to the procedure. We conclude that Gruntzig balloon dilation of benign bile duct strictures is safe and effective. Further experience is needed to determine its efficacy.