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Clinical Outcomes of Retained Plastic Biliary Stents: A Targeted Narrative Review
Lefika Bathobakae1, Atang Koodirile2, Eliesther Rivera2
1Internal Medicine, St. Joseph's University Medical Center, 165 Barclay St., Paterson, NJ, 07503, USA. lbathoba@sgu.edu.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|August 29, 2025
Summary
Retained plastic biliary stents (PBS) beyond 3 months risk serious complications like occlusion and infection. Awareness and improved tracking systems are crucial for timely stent removal to prevent adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Interventional Endoscopy
- Biliary Interventions
Background:
- Plastic biliary stents (PBS) are vital for temporary biliary drainage in benign and malignant conditions.
- Current guidelines recommend PBS removal/exchange within 3 months to prevent complications.
- Delayed recognition of complications often leads to invasive interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review complications associated with retained plastic biliary stents.
- To synthesize evidence on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of these complications.
- To propose strategies for ensuring timely stent removal.
Main Methods:
- Targeted narrative review of 10 retrospective studies and 33 case reports.
- Analysis focused on retained PBS complications, interventions, and outcomes.
- Synthesis of current literature and clinical practice recommendations.
Main Results:
- Retained PBS beyond 3 months significantly increase risks of occlusion, stentoliths, cholangitis, sepsis, and migration.
- Complications often present subtly, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
- Management strategies vary, involving endoscopic, radiological, or surgical approaches.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians and patients must be aware of the risks and implications of retained PBS.
- Proactive measures like stent cards, digital trackers, and registries are proposed for timely removal.
- Improved surveillance is essential to mitigate complications and improve patient outcomes.
