Percutaneous biliary stent with intraluminal brachytherapy versus palliative surgery in the management of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Background To compare the efficacy and outcomes of self-expandable metallic stent combined with catheter-loaded iodine-125 seeds (SEMS-CL- 125 I) brachytherapy versus conventional palliative surgery (PS) in advanced extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC). Methods The retrospective analysis consisted of 101 advanced EHCC patients who received SEMS-CL- 125 I ( n = 67) or underwent PS ( n = 34). The clinical characteristics, postoperative complications and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups. Results Serum levels of bilirubin, transaminase, and albumin (ALB) were significantly improved at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively in both groups (all P