Permanent endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage using a novel spiral stent (IYO-stent)

Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGBD) is widely performed. However, there is no consensus on the appropriate diameter, length, and shape of the stent that should be used in this procedure. In addition, there are limited data on the outcomes of permanent ETGBD. In our facility, a stent with a novel spiral structure (IYO-stent) is permanently placed in patients with acute cholecystitis who are not indicated for surgery. This study examined the efficacy and safety of the IYO-stent in cases of permanent ETGBD.

We retrospectively examined patients who underwent permanent ETGBD using the IYO-stent from April 2018 to December 2020.

Eleven patients were included in this study. The technical success and the clinical success rate were 91%. One patient had a post-procedure adverse event (post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding). Within the median observation period of 312 days (range: 109-742), late adverse events, including cholangitis (n = 1) and incomplete stent migration (n = 1), were observed. However, none of the patients experienced cholecystitis relapse.

Permanent ETGBD with IYO-stent is an effective treatment for the patients with acute cholecystitis who are not indicated for surgery.