Palliative laparoscopic Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy as a feasible treatment option for malignant distal biliary obstruction

Purposes The advantages of surgical bypass for patients with distal biliary obstruction caused by advanced periampullary cancer include a low risk of recurrent biliary obstruction; however, the highly invasive nature of the operation limits its use. Herein, we present the clinical findings of patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy (LRYCJ) compared with those who underwent endoscopic stent insertion. Methods We reviewed, retrospectively, the palliative care outcomes for malignant bile duct obstruction according to the type of intervention: LRYCJ vs. endoscopic stenting. After initial intervention, the factors predisposing to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) were identified via multiple regression analysis. Results The final analysis included 28 patients treated with LRYCJ (22.4%) and 97 patients who underwent endoscopic stent insertion (77.6%). The two groups did not differ in the incidence of early or late complications and mortality; however, the LRYCJ group had a lower incidence of RBO (4 patients, 14.3% vs. 73 patients, 75.3%; p