Endoscopic approach to benign biliary obstruction

Abstract

During the past 30 years, the endoscopic approach to benign biliary strictures (BBS) became the preferred “mini-invasive” treatment modality for benign diseases. Endoscopic plastic or metallic stenting, and balloon dilation represent the gold standard treatment for BBS. Side-by-side insertion of multiple plastic stents is a very effective treatment option for BBS following cholecystectomy or liver transplantation. This strategy has a low recurrence rate on long-term follow-up, with better results than fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FC-SEMS). FC-SEMS seems to have an advantage and higher stricture resolution rate in patients with BBS secondary to chronic pancreatitis. Dilation of dominant biliary strictures in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis has a lower rate of infective complications than the stenting treatment. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography represents a safe and effective approach to BBS, with a very high success rate, especially when such cases are managed in a multidisciplinary setting.