RESUMEN
Transcutaneous endobiliary procedures (TEP) were performed in 378 patients with obstructive jaundice (OJ). External decompression of the biliary ducts was carried out as the first stage of treatment in all the patients with OJ of various etiology. This procedure led to reduction of cholangitis symptoms and hepatic failure, improvement of general condition of the patients before radical surgery. Endoprosthesis of the bile ducts made in 121 patients allowed physiological passage of bile into the intestine and improved quality of life especially in inoperable patients with hepatic and pancreatoduodenal tumors. During external drainage in 27 (7.1%) patients dislocation of drainage of the common bile duct occurred. Postoperative lethality was 8.5%. After open surgeries 2 (1.2%) patients died.