[An uncommon use of argon plasma coagulation: endoscopic transection of self-expanding metallic stents]

Migration, distal malposition or fracture of self-expanding metallic biliary or esophageal stents rarely occur but may lead to stent dysfunction, mucosal trauma secondary to impaction or friction on the digestive wall. We report our experience of using argon plasma to endoscopically cut three metallic biliary and esophageal self-expanding stents to restore permeability or to treat impaction of the stent after migration, malposition or fracture.