Biliary stents: models and methods for endoscopic stenting

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Endoscopy
• Biliary Tract Interventions

Background:

• Biliary stenting is a common procedure for malignant biliary obstruction and benign biliary diseases.
• Recent advancements focus on self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) and evolving treatment techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a technology review of current endoscopic biliary stenting practices.
• To describe the latest self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) models and stenting techniques.
• To present the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy's (ESGE) current perspective on biliary stenting.

Main Methods:

• Review of available self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) designs.
• Analysis of current endoscopic stenting techniques.
• Synthesis of expert opinion from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE).

Main Results:

• A wide variety of self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) designs are now available.
• Innovations in stenting techniques have accompanied stent advancements.
• This technology review forms part of a combined publication with an ESGE clinical guideline.

Conclusions:

• Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) represent a significant development in biliary stenting.
• Endoscopic biliary stenting techniques continue to evolve.
• The ESGE provides updated guidance on biliary stenting technology and practice.