Use of Removable Covered Expandable Metal Stents (RCEMS) in the Treatment of Benign Distal Common Bile Duct (CBD) Strictures: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

The endoscopic treatment of benign CBD strictures comprises of sequential plastic stent insertion in progressively increasing numbers and resolves 65-85% of post surgical strictures and 20-40% of strictures due to chronic pancreatitis (CP). We aimed to assess the feasibility of using RCEMS, especially its removability, in the treatment of benign CBD strictures. Methods: First, proof of principle was tested in 3 patients with irresectable pancreatic cancer (CA). Subsequently, 4 patients with CP with a benign distal CBD stricture were included.