Bioresorbable biliary stents: A step forward

The case report by Elsayed et al presented a multidisciplinary approach to treating recurrent biliary strictures following proximal bile duct injury. Bioresorbable biliary stents, an innovative option for managing biliary strictures in recent years, are a key part of this approach. Unlike traditional metal/plastic stents, bioresorbable stents made from materials like polylactic acid (PLA) or polycaprolactone gradually degrade in the body. This eliminates the need for endoscopic removal, reducing patient trauma and costs. Nondegradable stents often lead to complications such as restenosis, migration, or infection. In contrast, bioresorbable stents can have their degradation rate tailored to the bile duct healing process (e.g., PLA stents remained unobstructed for 25.7 weeks in a porcine model), minimizing long-term complications. We analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of bioresorbable stents, outlined future research directions, and aimed to offer valuable insights for clinical practice.