Totally obstructed biliary stricture I: Concept and methods of magnetic compression anastomosis

Various etiologies can result in bile duct stricture. In particular, it is a major complication after a biliary operation, such as living-donor liver transplantation. However, despite the development of endoscopic and percutaneous therapies, no treatment protocol has yet been established for complete bile duct obstruction or severe bile duct stricture. Several studies have succeeded in recanalization of biliary strictures using magnets. This new treatment technique has been proven to be effective and safe for complete bile duct obstructions or severe bile duct strictures that cannot be treated using conventional methods. In this chapter, we discuss the development of magnetic compression anastomosis and detail the treatment methods and results.