Use of fully covered self-expanding metal stents for benign biliary etiologies: a large multi-center experience

Fully-covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) have been used in benign biliary diseases although reported data is limited. These devices are most commonly used to treat biliary leaks, strictures, or both. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of FCSEMS in treating benign biliary disease and recognize the associated complications.

We performed a multicenter longitudinal retrospective cohort study of patients with benign biliary disease needing FCSEMS between 2011 and 2016. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS version 24 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) and continuous variables were presented as mean±standard deviation.

75, 57% M/43% F, with a mean age of 58.5±14.9 years, were included. 64 (85%) had benign strictures, 7 patients had leaks, and 4 patients had both a leak and a stricture. Chronic pancreatitis was the most common cause of BBS (47%) and cholecystectomy was the most common cause of leaks. FCSEMS placement was technically successful in all patients. Four patients died of unrelated causes. A recurrent stricture was observed in 24 (32%) of the patients. Recurrent strictures were most commonly seen in patients with chronic pancreatitis 12/35 (34%). Stent migration occurred in 8/75 patients (10.7%). Seven patients (9.3%) had adverse events, acute pancreatitis (N.=4) was most common.

FCSEMS are safe and effective for treating biliary strictures and leaks. We report decreased rates of stent migration compared to previous studies. Prospective studies are needed to compare plastic stents with FCSEMS, determine optimal stent in-dwell times and cost effectiveness of FCSEMS.