Modified fully covered self-expandable metal stents with antimigration features for benign pancreatic-duct strictures in advanced chronic pancreatitis, with a focus on the safety profile and reducing migration.
BACKGROUND
Fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) placement has recently been tried in the management of refractory pancreatic-duct strictures associated with advanced chronic pancreatitis. The major limitation of FCSEMSs was frequent migration.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety, migration rate, and removability of modified FCSEMSs with antimigration features used for the treatment of benign pancreatic-duct strictures.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Tertiary academic center.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients with chronic painful pancreatitis and dominant ductal stricture.


METHODS
Transpapillary endoscopic placement of FCSEMSs in the pancreatic duct with removal after 3 months.


METHODS
Technical and functional success and adverse events associated with the placement of metal stents.


RESULTS
FCSEMSs were successfully placed in all patients through the major (n = 27) or minor (n = 5) duodenal papilla. All patients achieved pain relief from stent placement. There was no occurrence of stent-induced pancreatitis or pancreatic sepsis. No stent migrated, and all stents were easily removed. Follow-up ERCP 3 months after stent placement showed resolution of duct strictures in all patients. Pancreatograms obtained at FCSEMS removal displayed de novo focal pancreatic duct strictures in 5 patients, but all were asymptomatic.


CONCLUSIONS
No long-term follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Temporary 3-month placement of FCSEMSs was effective in resolving pancreatic-duct strictures in chronic pancreatitis, with an acceptable morbidity profile. Modified FCSEMSs can prevent stent migration, but may be associated with de novo duct strictures. Further trials are needed to assess long-term safety and efficacy.
Moon
Sung-Hoon
SH
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
Kim
Myung-Hwan
MH
Park
Do Hyun
DH
Song
Tae Joon
TJ
Eum
Junbum
J
Lee
Sang Soo
SS
Seo
Dong Wan
DW
Lee
Sung Koo
SK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000628:therapy; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010183:Pancreatic Ducts / Q000473:pathology*; D050500:Pancreatitis, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019233:Retreatment; D015607:Stents; D055815:Young Adult
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible