Expandable metal stents for benign pancreatic duct obstruction.
Among patients with advanced chronic pancreatitis and morphologically demonstrable main pancreatic duct (MPD) abnormalities who are candidates for endotherapy, about two-thirds have a MPD stricture and require stenting to achieve appropriate ductal decompression. The standard stent used in this indication is the plastic stent, which provides a median patency rate of 6 to 12 months. The requirement for stent exchange represents a limitation for the treatment of this relatively young patient population. By analogy with the biliary tract, the authors hypothesize that self-expandable metal stents might offer a long-lasting drainage of the MPD. Several years ago the authors used such stents on an experimental basis to treat patients with MPD strictures. Although routine use of self-expandable metal stents should be discouraged, the authors propose some guidelines for further technical improvement.
Eisendrath
P
P
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepato-Pancreatology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
Devière
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals; D008875:Middle Aged; D010183:Pancreatic Ducts / Q000601:surgery*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D008670:Metals