Metal or plastic stent for malignant biliary obstruction: what's got the most bang for your buck?

Malignant biliary obstruction is most commonly managed by the endoscopist. Various plastic and metal stents are currently available. It is important to be aware of the pros and cons of each. The identifying factors that determine the prognosis for the patient might also help determine which type of stent to place. This month's article by Moss et al., is a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials analyzing the cost-effectiveness of plastic and metal stents. This meta-analysis helps guide the endoscopist in deciding what type of stent would be most beneficial and cost effective for their patients.