title: Improved stent characteristics for prophylaxis of post-ERCP pancreatitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Pancreatic stenting is an effective method to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis in high-risk patients. This retrospective study evaluated the impact of modified stent characteristics on the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis, spontaneous stent dislodgment, and stent-related sequelae.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 2283 patients underwent 2447 ERCPs over a 6-year period with placement of 3-4F diameter, unflanged pancreatic stents. The indication for stenting was pancreatitis prophylaxis predominantly in suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), pancreas divisum therapy, and precut sphincterotomy. An abdominal radiograph was obtained 10-14 days later to assess spontaneous stent passage. Post-ERCP pancreatitis was defined according to established criteria. A total of 479 patients underwent repeat ERCPs after an initial ERCP with pancreatic stent placement. The prestenting pancreatogram was then compared with follow-up studies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pancreatitis rate with 3F, 4F, 5F, and 6F stents was 7.5%, 10.6%, 9.8%, and 14.6%, respectively (3F vs. 4F, 5F, 6F: P = 0.047). Spontaneous stent dislodgment was 86%, 73%, 67%, and 65%, respectively (3F vs. 4F, 5F, 6F: P < 0.0001). The frequency of ductal changes was 24% in patients with 3-4F stents compared with 80% with 5-6F stents. Ductal perforation from the stents occurred in 3 patients (0.1%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Small diameter (3-4F), unflanged pancreatic stents are more effective than the traditionally used stents (5-6F) in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis. Stent-induced ductal changes and the need for endoscopic removal are also significantly less with 3-4F stents. The 3F stent appears to be superior in all aspects studied. Additional studies are needed to define the ideal method to eliminate post-ERCP pancreatitis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, 46202, USA.
authors.forename: Abdullah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rashdan
authors.forename: Evan L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Fogel
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McHenry
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sherman
authors.forename: M'Hamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Temkit
authors.forename: Glen A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Lehman
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D008875:Middle Aged; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011336:Probability; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016717:Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D015607:Stents