Biodegradable Stents In Benign Gastrointestinal And Biliopancreatic Strictures: State Of The Art

Abstract

The use of endoscopic stents is a well-recognized and accepted option to treat malignant obstructions of the gastrointestinal tract. Advances in stent technology have led to the development of devices with previously unimagined materials. We are constantly exposed to the development of stents with contemporary designs and materials. In this article I focus on the importance and use of biodegradable stents. Biodegradable stents are an attractive option for use in patients with recurrent/recalcitrant benign strictures of the esophagus, bile duct, small intestine, and colon. In theory, using these biodegradable stents, repetitive dilations of recalcitrant digestive stenosis can be avoided, as well as surgical resections of the gastrointestinal tract, mainly in patients with high surgical risk or patients who refuse surgical treatment, and the number of interventional endoscopic procedures can also be minimized. The role of prophylactic biodegradable stents in preventing strictures secondary to gastrointestinal surgery is an idea that needs to be investigated.