Plastic Stents Research Articles

The use of fully covered self-expandable metal stents in the endoscopic treatment of portal cavernoma cholangiopathy

Background and aimsThere are different therapeutic approaches for biliary strictures and reducing portal hypertension in patients with symptomatic portal cavernoma cholangiopathy (PCC). Endoscopic treatment includes endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (EST), dilation of stricture with a biliary balloon, placement of plastic stent(s) and stone extraction. Fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) is placed as a rescuer in case of haemobilia seen after EST, dilation of stricture and removal of plastic stent rather than the stricture treatment itself. In this retrospective observational study, we sought to assess the clinical outcomes of FCSEMS as the initial treatment for PCC-related biliary strictures.Materials and methodsTwelve symptomatic patients with PCC both clinically and radiologically between July 2009 and February 2019 were examined. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and cholangiography were employed as the diagnostic imaging methods. Chandra–Sarin classification was used to distinguish between biliary abnormalities in terms of localization. Llop classification was used to group biliary abnormalities associated with PCC. Endoscopic partial sphincterotomy was performed in all the patients. If patients with dominant strictures 6-8-mm balloon dilation was first performed. This was followed by removal of the stones if exist. Finally, FCSEMS placed. The stents were removed 6–12 weeks later.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 40.9 ± 10.3 years, and 91.6% of the patients were male. Majority of the patients (n = 9) were noncirrhotic. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) findings showed that 11 of the 12 patients were Chandra Type I and one was Chandra Type IIIa. All the 12 patients were Llop Grade 3. All patients had biliary involvement in the form of strictures. Stent placement was successful in all patients. FCSEMSs were retained for a median period of 45 days (30–60). Seven (58.3%) patients developed acute cholecystitis. There was no occurrence of bleeding or other complications associated with FCSEMS replacement or removal. All patients were asymptomatic during median 3 years (1–10) follow up period.ConclusionsFCSEMS placement is an effective method in biliary strictures in case of PCC. Acute cholecystitis is encountered frequently after FCSEMS, but majority of patients respond to the medical treatment. Patients should be followed in terms of the relapse of biliary strictures.

Comparison of unilateral and bilateral intraductal plastic stent placement for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction: A propensity score-matched cohort analysis.

Although intraductal plastic stent (IS) placement is an effective treatment for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (UMHBO), the effectiveness of unilateral and bilateral IS drainage remains controversial. This retrospective study investigated the effectiveness of bilateral IS placement for UMHBO using the propensity score matching method. Patients who underwent transpapillary endoscopic stenting for UMHBO were analyzed for technical and clinical success, adverse events, and time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO). A total of 321 patients were enrolled in the study with 27 patients in each unilateral and bilateral IS group in the propensity score-based cohort. Technical success was 100%, while clinical success was 93% and 96% in the unilateral and bilateral IS groups, respectively (p = 1.0). Cholecystitis occurred in 4% and 7%, respectively (p = 1.0). The median TRBO was shorter in the unilateral group (129 [5-383] days) than that in the bilateral group (226 [16-563] days) (p = .0281). Bilateral IS placement was an independent long TRBO factor (hazard ratio [HR] 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21-0.97; p = .041). Unilateral and bilateral IS placement had high technical and clinical success rates in primary stent placement. However, bilateral IS placement showed a longer TRBO. Bilateral IS placement may be a good option for initial UMHBO drainage.

Impact of Direct Endoscopic Necrosectomy on Recurrence of Symptoms or Fluid Collections Following Successful Endoscopic Transmural Drainage of Walled-off Necrosis in Disconnected Pancreatic Duct

Abstract Background The impact of direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) on risk of recurrence of symptoms or pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) in patients with disconnected pancreatic duct (DPD) has not been previously evaluated. Objective To compare the risk of recurrence of PFC in patients with walled-off necrosis (WON) and DPD undergoing DEN with that of not requiring DEN and not having permanent indwelling plastic stents. Methods Retrospective analysis of database of patients with WON successfully treated with transmural metal stents over the past 5 years was done to identify patients with DPD and not having permanent indwelling transmural stents. These patients were divided into two groups: Group A: patients undergoing DEN and Group B: patients not requiring DEN. Results Seventeen patients required DEN (Group A; mean age 37.8 years) and 21 patients were successfully treated without DEN (Group B; mean age: 37.7 years). In Group A, none of the patients developed either recurrence of symptoms or PFC over a mean follow-up period of 7 months. In Group B, 5 of 21 (23.8%) patients developed either recurrence of pain (n = 2) or PFC (n = 3) over a mean follow-up period of 22 months. New-onset diabetes mellitus developed in five (29%) patients in Group A and two (9%) patients in Group B. None of the patients in either group developed steatorrhea. Conclusion Patients with WON and DPD treated with lumen apposing metal stent and requiring DEN seem to be having low risk of developing recurrence of pain or PFC.

HPB O03 ERCPs and Biliary Stenting for Ductal Stone Disease: A Call for a National Database

Abstract Background According to the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, in the context of complicated biliary stone disease, plastic stenting of the biliary tree via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) temporarily provides drainage of a blocked or infected biliary system. However, there is high mortality and morbidity associated with long-term endoprostheses; cholangitis as one of the main complications. Therefore, plastic stenting should only be used for a period of up to 6 months, according to latest guidelines. Our aim was to compare Trust practice with international recommendations, identifying potential causes for prolonged stent placement in patients with choledocholithiasis, and to discuss possible solutions. Methods Patients who underwent an ERCP across a 3-year period from NHS secure server records were identified, with further analysis of patients undergoing plastic biliary stent insertion. Results Of the 1118 ERCPs performed, 281 underwent plastic stenting for choledocholithiasis. Some patients were not suitable for cholecystectomy, so stents were accepted as the ceiling of care. 29 had stents in situ for over 6 months, while waiting for surgery. Of the 75 who had proceeded to cholecystectomy, 57 subsequently had stents removed in the trust. 18 still had plastic stents in situ. 5 had stents removed elsewhere, one of whom developed cholangitis and sepsis, requiring removal of the infected stent at a tertiary centre. Two patients were no longer fit for removal, and two had spontaneously passed their stents. Conclusions Retained biliary stents is not a rarity. There are many factors leading to delays, including long waiting lists for surgery, lack of requests to the endoscopy department and patient choice. Extrapolation of this single-trust audit would suggest that many sites are not meeting international guidelines for the duration of indwelling plastic stents. We suggest the implementation of a national database to monitor all patients with biliary endoprostheses to reduce morbidity associated with retained stents. We also recommend that incidents where harm is caused by plastic stents remaining in situ for greater than six months be treated as a Never Event.

A technique for leaving long-term indwelling double-pigtail plastic stents after resolution of pancreatic fluid collections

Video 1Demonstration of the endoscopic technique of leaving long-term indwelling plastic stent(s) when a lumen-apposing metal stent is removed after pancreatic fluid collection resolution.

Simple endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder aspiration/irrigation using a double-pigtail plastic stentsystem.

Watch a video of this article.

Plastic versus metal stents for transmural drainage of walled-off necrosis with significant solid debris: a randomized controlled trial.

Background and study aims Recently, larger-caliber metal stents have been increasingly used, resulting in higher efficacy in walled-off necrosis (WON) with more solid debris. However, none of the trials have included WON with significant solid debris. The aim of this study was to compare plastic stents and metal stents for drainage of symptomatic WON with significant solid debris (≥20%). Patients and methods We conducted a single-center, open-label, noninferiority trial including 48 patients. The primary endpoint was treatment success. Secondary outcomes were technical success, total number of procedures, adverse events (AEs), duration of procedure, and treatment failure. All the outcomes were assessed at 3 weeks after drainage. Patients were followed up for 3 months to assess recurrence. Results Treatment succeeded in 21 of 24 patients (87.5%) and 20 of 24 patients (83.3%) in the metal and plastic stent groups, respectively with P =1.05 (95% confidence interval 0.81-1.39). Assuming 10% non-inferiority margin, P <0.001 for non-inferiority, suggesting that plastic stents are non-inferior to metal stents. The technical success rate was 100%. Procedure duration was significantly shorter in the metal stent group (12.95±5.3 minutes versus 29.77±6.6 minutes, P <0.001). The number of total procedures was comparable (2.8±1 vs 2.2±1, P =0.097). There were more minor AEs in plastic stent arm but no significant difference between the two groups. A single asymptomatic recurrence was observed in the metal stent arm. Conclusions Plastic stents are not inferior to metal stents for WON drainage with significant solid debris. However, larger sample-size studies are needed to make definite conclusions.

EUS-guided hepaticoduodenostomy for posterior bile duct obstruction using a novel plastic stent for isolated posterior bile duct obstruction (with video).

EUS-guided hepaticoduodenostomy for posterior bile duct obstruction using a novel plastic stent for isolated posterior bile duct obstruction (with video).

Addressing endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy complications with a spiral dilator for plastic stent placement.

Watch a video of this article.

Clinical usefulness of inside stents in anastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation.

Endoscopic biliary stenting is a standard treatment for biliary strictures after liver transplantation. Plastic stents are often replaced before stent dysfunction to prevent the development of cholangitis and jaundice. Therefore, the precise duration of stent patency is unclear. We compared retrospectively the stent patency period and stent dysfunction rate between inside stents (IS) and conventional plastic stents (PS) in 48 patients with post-transplant strictures, distinguishing endoscopic biliary stenting with and without stent dysfunction at stent replacement. In observations focused on the first treatment, the median patency periods were 369 days for IS (n = 18) and 154 days for PS (n = 30; p = 0.01), significantly longer for IS. The 1-year cholangitis incidence rate was lower for IS (20% vs. 43%, p = 0.04). Additionally, no stent dislocation was observed for IS, but this occurred for 33.3% of PS (p = 0.004). Comparing all endoscopic biliary stenting, including second and subsequent procedures, IS again had a longer patency period than PS (356 days, n = 89, vs. 196 days, n = 127, p = 0.009). IS had a significantly longer patency period than PS, suggesting that IS replacement could be reduced to once per year for patients who prefer less frequent stent replacement.

The utility of self-expanding metal stents in benign biliary strictures- a retrospective case series

BackgroundBenign biliary strictures can have a significant negative impact on patient quality of life. There are several modalities which can be utilized with the goal of stricture resolution. These techniques include balloon dilatation, placement of multiple plastic stents and more recently, the use of metal stents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the local success of self-expanding metal stents in successfully resolving benign biliary strictures.MethodsThis was a single institution, retrospective case series. Patients included in our study were patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with placement of self expanding metal stents for benign biliary strictures at our institution between 2016–2022. Patients were excluded for the following: malignant stricture, and inability to successfully place metal stent. Data was evaluated using two-sided t-test with 95% confidence interval.ResultsA total of 31 patients underwent placement of 43 self-expanding metal stents and met inclusion criteria. Mean age of patients was 59 ± 10 years, and were largely male (74.2% vs. 25.8%). Most strictures were anastomotic stricture post liver transplant (87.1%), while the remainder were secondary to chronic pancreatitis (12.9%). Complications of stent placement included cholangitis (18.6%), pancreatitis (2.3%), stent migration (20.9%), and inability to retrieve stent (4.7%). There was successful stricture resolution in 73.5% of patients with anastomotic stricture and 33.3% of patients with stricture secondary to pancreatitis. Resolution was more likely if stent duration was > / = 180 days (73.3% vs. 44.4%, p < 0.05). There was no demonstrated added benefit when stent duration was > / = 365 days (75% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.64).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that self expanding metal stents are a safe and effective treatment for benign biliary strictures, with outcomes comparable to plastic stents with fewer interventions. This study indicates that the optimal duration to allow for stricture resolution is 180–365 days.

Preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage by metal versus plastic stents for resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Background and study aimsAdequate preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) is recommended in most patients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). Most expert centers use endoscopic plastic stents rather than self-expanding metal stents (SEMS). In the palliative setting, however, use of SEMS has shown longer patency and superior survival. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare stent dysfunction of SEMS versus plastic stents for PBD in resectable pCCA patients. Patients and methodsIn this retrospective, multicenter, international cohort study, patients with a potentially resectable pCCA who underwent initial endoscopic PBD were included from 2010-2020. Stent failure was a composite endpoint of cholangitis and/or re-intervention due to adverse events or insufficient PBD. Other adverse events, surgical outcomes, and survival were recorded. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed on several baseline characteristics. Results474 patients had successful stent placement, of whom 61 received SEMS and 413 plastic stents. PSM (1:1) resulted in two groups of 59 patients. Stent failure occurred significantly less in the SEMS group (31% vs 64%, p<0.001). Besides less cholangitis after SEMS placement (15% vs 31%, p = 0.012), other PBD-related adverse events did not differ. The number of patients undergoing surgical resection was not significantly different (46% vs 49%, p = 0.71). Complete intraoperative SEMS removal was successful and without adverse events in all patients. ConclusionsStent failure was lower in patients with SEMS as PBD compared to plastic stents in patients with resectable pCCA. Removal during surgery was well feasible. Surgical outcomes were comparable.

Usefulness of Intraductal Placement of a Dumbbell-Shaped Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stent for Post-Cholecystectomy Bile Leaks.

Background and aims: In the treatment of post-cholecystectomy bile leaks, endoscopic naso-biliary drainage (ENBD) or biliary stenting using plastic stents is the standard of care. Fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) placement across the sphincter of Oddi is considered a salvage therapy for refractory cases, but pancreatitis and migration are the major concerns. Intraductal placement of a dumbbell-shaped FCSEMS (D-SEMS) could avoid these drawbacks of FCMSESs. In this retrospective study, we investigated the usefulness of intraductal placement of the D-SEMS for post-cholecystectomy bile leaks. Methods: Six patients who underwent intraductal placement of the D-SEMS for post-cholecystectomy bile leaks were enrolled. This method was performed as initial treatment in three patients and as salvage treatment in three ENBD refractory cases. Results: Technical and clinical successes were obtained in 6 (100%) patients and 5 (83%) patients, respectively. One clinically unsuccessful patient required laparoscopic peritoneal lavage. The early adverse event was one case of mild pancreatitis (17%). The median duration of the D-SEMS indwelling was 61 days (42-606 days) with no migration cases, all of which were successfully removed. The median follow-up after index ERCP was 761 (range: 161-1392) days with no cases of recurrent bile leaks. Conclusions: Intraductal placement of the D-SEMS for post-cholecystectomy bile leaks might be safe and effective even in refractory cases.

Maintaining plastic stent after metal stent removal is associated with less recurrence of peripancreatic collections

Maintaining plastic stent after metal stent removal is associated with less recurrence of peripancreatic collections

The Use of Cholangioscopy In the Diagnosis of Indeterminate Biliary Strictures: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Biliary strictures or narrowing of a portion of the biliary tree can have benign and malignant etiologies. One third of these will originate from iatrogenic injury and these are typically managed endoscopically. We present the case of a 76-year-old man with history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy ten years prior, who presented with one week of jaundice, dark urine, and pruritus. Along with non-invasive biliary imaging, he underwent cholangioscopy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealing inflammatory-appearing stenosis of the common hepatic duct with embedded suture material. The stenotic area was biopsied using mini forceps and subsequently dilated with a balloon dilator. A plastic biliary stent was placed with improvement in the patient’s hepatic function, with final cytology and pathology being negative for malignancy. Cholangioscopy facilitated detailed visual inspection of strictures and biopsies under direct visualization. The visual impression increased the sensitivity of the biopsy and assisted in ruling out malignancy from the most critical portion of the stricture. While timing of cholangioscopy remains to be determined, its use is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures.

Large common bile duct stones in high-risk elderly patients: Immediate endoscopic stone removal or elective stone removal? A single-center retrospective study

Background and objectiveFor high-risk elderly patients with chronic diseases, endoscopic stone removal for large common bile duct stones is associated with a high risk of adverse events and incomplete stone removal. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the treatment strategy of short-term biliary plastic stent placement followed by elective endoscopic stone removal is more effective and safer than immediate endoscopic stone removal.MethodsThe data of 262 high-risk elderly patients who received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for large common bile duct (CBD) stones from 2017 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into group A (immediate stone removal) and group B (stent drainage + elective stone removal). The baseline data of the 2 groups were matched 1:1 by propensity score matching. The stone clearance rate, ERCP procedure time, total hospital stay, and procedure-related adverse events were compared between the matched groups. In group B, stone size before and after stent placement, hospital stay, procedure time and adverse events of two ERCPs were compared.ResultsA total of 57 pairs of patients were successfully matched between the 2 groups. The stone clearance rate in group B was higher than that in group A (89.5% vs. 75.3, P = 0.049). The total hospital stay in group B was longer than that in group A (11.86 ± 3.912 d vs. 19.14 ± 3.176 d, P<0.001). The total adverse event rate in group A was higher than that in group B (29.8% vs. 12.3%, P = 0.005). The incidence of cholangitis/cholecystitis after ERCP was significantly higher in group A than in group B (7.0% vs. 0.9% P = 0.029). There was no significant difference in the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis, bleeding, pneumonia, and cardio-cerebrovascular events between the 2 groups. There were no perforation cases in either group. After plastic biliary stent placement in group B, the stone size was significantly smaller than before stent placement (1.59 ± 0.544 cm vs. 1.95 ± 0.543 cm, P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in the total adverse event incidence between the two ERCP procedures (18.8% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.214).ConclusionFor high-risk elderly patients with large CBD stones, the treatment strategy involving temporary placement of plastic stent and elective endoscopic stone removal is safer and more effective than immediate stone removal.

S3329 Delayed Acute Pancreatitis After Transpapillary Gallbladder Drainage With Plastic Stents, A Case Series

S3329 Delayed Acute Pancreatitis After Transpapillary Gallbladder Drainage With Plastic Stents, A Case Series

S3298 A Unique Case of a Migrated Plastic Stents Resulting in Delayed Pancreatitis Following EDGE Procedure

S3298 A Unique Case of a Migrated Plastic Stents Resulting in Delayed Pancreatitis Following EDGE Procedure

Utility of Covered Self-Expanding Metal Stents for Biliary Drainage during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer.

We aimed to compare the utility of covered self-expanding metal stents (CSEMSs) with that of plastic stents (PSs) for biliary drainage during neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. Forty patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer underwent biliary stenting during neoadjuvant chemotherapy at Hiroshima University Hospital. PSs and CSEMSs were placed in 19 and 21 patients, respectively. Two gemcitabine-based regimens for chemotherapy were used. Treatment outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between both groups. The incidence of recurrent biliary obstruction was significantly lower in the CSEMS group (0% vs. 47.4%, p < 0.001), and the median time to recurrent biliary obstruction in the PS group was 47 days. There was no difference in the incidence of other complications such as non-occlusive cholangitis, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis between the two groups. Delays in the chemotherapy schedule due to stent-related complications were significantly frequent in the PS group (52.6% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. CSEMSs may be the best choice for safely performing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for several months in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer with bile duct stricture.

Self-expanding metallic stent for refractory pancreatic duct stricture in chronic pancreatitis: A prospective follow-up study.

In chronic pancreatitis, fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) are used to treat refractory pancreatic duct strictures. However, the FCSEMS design, effectiveness, safety, optimal stent indwelling time and patient selection remain unclear. This study aimed at evaluating technical success, clinical success and adverse events with FCSEMS in patients with symptomatic pancreatic duct stricture. The prospective study was conducted between May 2017 and May 2021 at a tertiary care center for chronic pancreatitis with refractory pancreatic duct stricture using controlled radial expansion (CRE) endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with FCSEMS (Niti-S, Bumpy stent, Taewoong Medical, Gimpo-Si, South Korea). During the study period, a total of 11 patients underwent ERCP with FCSEMS for refractory pancreatic duct stricture. The mean age (± standard deviation, [SD]) was 32.36 ± 10.98years and nine patients (81%) were male. Technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 90.9%, respectively. All patients had a history of prior pancreatic endotherapy. The median (inter quartile range, [IQR]) stent indwell time was seven (6-10) months. The median visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score pre and post-FCSEMS was 8 (5-8) and 1 (0-2), respectively (p-value 0.003). Median (IQR) follow-up after stent removal was 48 (40-60) months. One patient (9%) developed de novo main pancreatic duct (MPD) stricture, which was asymptomatic. None of the patients had cholangitis, pancreatitis, perforation, proximal migration or stent fracture. The FCSEMS treatment appears to be safe, feasible and possibly an effective option for patients who have not responded to endoscopic plastic stenting.