The ultraflex diamond stent for benign biliary obstruction.
The most frequent type of benign bile duct stricture (BBDS) that complicates surgery, is not an indication for placement of any current model of metal stent because of poor long-term results. This statement could not apply to less frequent types of BBDSs, in particular those complicating chronic pancreatitis (CP) and radiotherapy. The authors report their preliminary results observed in 10 patients whose CP-related BBDS was treated with an Ultraflex Diamond stent. No stent dysfunction was detected in the observed patients during a mean follow-up of 17 months. Studies involving larger numbers of patients followed for longer periods of time are necessary to know whether endoscopy using this material may replace surgery in this indication.
Dumonceau
J M
JM
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepato-Pancreatology, Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
Nicaise
N
N
Devière
J
J
D001649:Bile Duct Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System; D006801:Humans; D018583:Pliability; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials