Temporary placement of fully covered self-expandable metal stents in benign biliary strictures: midterm evaluation (with video).
BACKGROUND
Benign biliary strictures (BBS) have been endoscopically managed with placement of multiple plastic stents. Uncovered metal stents have been associated with mucosal hyperplasia and partially covered self-expandable metal stents with migration. Recently, fully covered self-expandable metal stents (CSEMSs) with anchoring fins have become available.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to analyze the efficacy and complication rates of CSEMSs in the treatment of BBS.


METHODS
CSEMSs (10-mm diameter) were placed in 44 patients with BBS. CSEMSs were left in place until adequate biliary drainage was achieved, confirmed by resolution of symptoms, normalization of liver function tests, and imaging.


METHODS
Tertiary care center with long-standing experience with metal stents.


METHODS
A total of 44 patients with BBS (28 men, median age 53.5 years) were included. The preprocedure diagnoses included chronic pancreatitis (n = 19), gallstone-related strictures (n = 14), post liver transplant (n = 9), autoimmune pancreatitis (n = 1), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 1).


METHODS
ERCP with temporary CSEMS placement. Removal of CSEMSs was performed with a snare or rat tooth.


METHODS
Stricture resolution and morbidity.


RESULTS
The median time of CSEMS placement was 3.3 months (interquartile range 3.0-4.8). Resolution of the BBS was confirmed in 34 of 41 patients (83%) after a median postremoval follow-up time of 3.8 months (interquartile range 1.2-7.7). Complications were observed in 6 (14%) patients after CSEMS placement and in 4 (9%) after CSEMS removal.


CONCLUSIONS
Pilot study from a single center.


CONCLUSIONS
Temporary placement of CSEMSs for BBS may offer an alternative to plastic stenting. Further investigation is required to further assess safety and long-term efficacy.
Mahajan
Anshu
A
Digestive Health Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0708, USA.
Ho
Henry
H
Sauer
Bryan
B
Phillips
Melissa S
MS
Shami
Vanessa M
VM
Ellen
Kristi
K
Rehan
Michele
M
Schmitt
Timothy M
TM
Kahaleh
Michel
M
D002779:Cholestasis / Q000601:surgery*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D015607:Stents; D013997:Time Factors; D014741:Video Recording