A non-randomized study in consecutive patients with postcholecystectomy refractory biliary leaks who were managed endoscopically with the use of multiple plastic stents or fully covered self-expandable metal stents (with videos).

Background: Endoscopic management of postcholecystectomy biliary leaks is widely accepted as the treatment of choice. However, refractory biliary leaks after a combination of biliary sphincterotomy and the placement of a large-bore (10F) plastic stent can occur, and the optimal rescue endotherapy for this situation is unclear.

Objective: To compare the clinical effectiveness of the use of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) with the placement of multiple plastic stents (MPS) for the treatment of postcholecystectomy refractory biliary leaks.

Predictive value of cholangioscopy after endoscopic management of early postcholecystectomy bile duct strictures with an increasing number of plastic stents: a prospective study (with videos).

Background: Endotherapy of postcholecystectomy bile duct stricture (PCBS) has been established as an alternative treatment to surgery. Several studies have reported conflicting results regarding the predictors of success or failure of endotherapy.

Objective: To evaluate the different cholangioscopic appearances of PCBS after endotherapy with an increasing number of plastic stents and the predictive values of these appearances for the outcome.

Sustained relief of obstructive symptoms for the remaining life of patients following placement of an expandable metal stent for malignant colorectal obstruction.

Background: self-expanding metal stents are currently being used as a definitive palliative treatment for malignant colorectal obstruction in patients with incurable disease. Few studies have followed large numbers of patients from stent placement until death, and those few have reported conflicting results in the long-term clinical outcome data.

Aims: this study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of stent placement for malignant colorectal obstruction throughout the patients lives and related factors affecting stent patency, clinical success and complications.

Endoscopic stenting for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: efficacy of unilateral and bilateral placement of plastic and metal stents in a retrospective review of 480 patients.

Background: Endoscopic biliary drainage of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is controversial with respect to the optimal types of stents and the extent of drainage. This study evaluated endoscopic palliation in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma using self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) and plastic stents (PS).We also compared unilateral and bilateral stent placement according to the Bismuth classification.

Short-term stenting using fully covered self-expandable metal stents for treatment of refractory biliary leaks, postsphincterotomy bleeding, and perforations.

Background: Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) have been used as a rescue therapy for several benign biliary tract conditions (BBC). Long-term stent placement commonly occurs, and prolonged FCSEMS placement is associated with the majority of the complications reported. This study evaluated the duration of stenting and the efficacy and safety of temporary FCSEMS placement for three BBCs: refractory biliary leaks, postsphincterotomy bleeding, and perforations.

A comparison of the temporary placement of 3 different self-expanding stents for the treatment of refractory benign esophageal strictures: a prospective multicentre study.

Background: Refractory benign esophageal strictures (RBESs) have been treated with the temporary placement of different self-expanding stents with conflicting results. We compared the clinical effectiveness of 3 types of stents: self-expanding plastic stents (SEPSs), biodegradable stents, and fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMSs), for the treatment of RBES.

Methods: This study prospectively evaluated 3 groups of 30 consecutive patients with RBESs who underwent temporary placement of either SEPSs (12 weeks, n = 10), biodegradable stents (n = 10) or FCSEMSs (12 weeks, n = 10).

Oral intake throughout the patients' lives after palliative metallic stent placement for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction: a retrospective multicentre study.

Objectives: Patients with inoperable malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) have been managed with self-expandable metal stents to improve oral intake. Recent studies have shown conflicting results on the capacity of self-expandable metal stents to restore food intake in the long term. This study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of enteral stent placement for GOO throughout the patients' lives.