 2. Endoscopic stenting 18 A therapeutic duodenoscope and a standard sphincterotome will be used for cannulation of the bile duct. A hydrophilic guidewire will be used to cross the malignant stricture. After the stricture is crossed a guide catheter will be passed over the guidewire and then a 10 F straight plastic stent will be inserted across the stricture over the guidewire. 