Percutaneous Transhepatic Retrieval of Dysfunctional Plastic Biliary Stents

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Dysfunctional plastic biliary stents (PBS) often require removal.
• Percutaneous transhepatic biliary interventions offer an alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic retrieval of dysfunctional PBS.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, single-center analysis of 36 patients undergoing percutaneous transhepatic retrieval of dysfunctional PBS.
• Primary outcomes: technical success, clinical success, complications, procedure time, radiation exposure.
• Secondary outcomes: changes in biochemical indicators (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, ALT, CA-19-9) pre- and post-procedure.

Main Results:

• 100% technical and clinical success rates were achieved.
• Minor complications occurred in 11.2% of cases (hemobilia, mild cholangitis).
• Significant improvement in liver function parameters and CA-19-9 levels was observed two weeks post-retrieval (p=0.01).

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous transhepatic retrieval of dysfunctional PBS is a safe and effective option when ERCP is not feasible.
• Larger, multicenter studies with longer follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings.