Stent selection for both biliary and pancreatic strictures caused by chronic pancreatitis: Multiple plastic stents or metallic stents?

Abstract

Endoscopic stenting is an effective treatment option in the management of both benign biliary strictures and pancreatic ductal strictures. Plastic stents and selfexpandable metal stents have been used with variable success for the management of both benign biliary strictures and pancreatic ductal strictures caused by chronic pancreatitis. Fully covered self-expandable metal stents of improved design represent a major technological advance which has added to the endoscopic armamentarium. Both multiple plastic stents and covered self-expandable metal stents have shown promising results. However, data to support the use of self-expandable metal stents over multiple plastic stents or vice versa are still lacking. © Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary- Pancreatic Surgery and Springer 2011.