A fully covered self-expandable metal stent anchored by a 10-fr double pigtail plastic stent: An effective anti-migration technique

Abstract

Background Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) have been used successfully in the treatment of malignant and benign biliary strictures. However, stent migration is a major complication. We investigated the efficacy of anchoring FCSEMS with a 10-Fr double-pigtail plastic stent to prevent migration in patients with biliary strictures. Methods Between January 2012 and May 2013, 10 patients with malignant biliary strictures and one patient with a suprapapillary benign biliary stenosis were enrolled in the study. The primary endpoint of the study was to record the migration rate of FCSEMS. Results The placement of FCSEMSs and the anchoring with a 10-Fr double-pigtail plastic stent were successful in all patients. During a median follow-up period of eight months, proximal or distal migration of FCSEMS was not observed. No procedural complications related to the placement of FCSEMS and/or the anchoring plastic stent were recorded. Conclusions The placement of an anchoring 10-Fr double-pigtail stent is a simple and effective anti-migration technique for FCSEMS in patients with malignant biliary strictures.