Fully covered, self-expandable metal stents for first-step endoscopic treatment of biliary leaks secondary to hepato-biliary surgery: a retrospective study.

Background: Fully covered self-expanding metal stents are now being used to treat benign biliary diseases.

Aims: To assess the outcomes of these stents as first-step therapy in patients with biliary leaks secondary to hepato-biliary surgery.

Methods: Thirty patients (56.7% males; mean age: 60.2 ± 13 years) were retrospectively evaluated. The data collected included technical and clinical success, adverse events and follow-up findings (1, 3 and 6 months).

Results: Technical and clinical success rates were 100%. One early mild post-procedure pancreatitis occurred and resolved spontaneously. Three late stent distal migrations occurred, however cholangiography showed correct leak sealing in all patients. Stents were removed after a mean of 55.9 days. During follow-up no other complications occurred.

Conclusion: In our experience fully covered self-expanding metal stent placement was safe and efficacious as first-step therapy for post-operative biliary leaks. However, prospective comparative studies with plastic stents are required to validate these findings.