AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightCholangioscopy-assisted stent retrieval may be used as a rescue therapy if conventional methods are unsuccessful.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Introduction: Biliary stenting using plastic stents is widely used in the treatment of benign and malignant disorders of pancreaticobiliary system. Despite widespread use of plastic biliary stents, migration occurs in 5–10 patients undergoing biliary stenting. Migration may lead to complications and endoscopic retrieval of migrated plastic stents may be challenging for the endoscopists. The aim of the study was to determine migration rates of biliary stents, complications related to migration and endoscopic retrieval techniques, and success rates in patients with benign biliary disorders. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 1653 ERCP procedures performed between December 2016 and May 2021 were retrospectively examined. Indications for stenting, presentation of migration, length and diameter of the stents, endoscopic retrieval techniques, and success rate were analyzed. Results: There were 295 plastic stents inserted for benign biliary disorders in 211 patients. Migration oc- curred in 11.4% of cases; 5.7% distal migration and 5.7% proximal migration. While cases with proximal migration mostly presented with cholangitis, most cases were asymptomatic with distal migration. Endo- scopic retrieval success rate was 100% in proximally migrated plastic biliary stents. In one case, cholan- gioscopy-assisted retrieval was used as a rescue therapy. As most of the distally migrated stents passed through the intestine spontaneously, endoscopic retrieval was not required. Conclusion: Migration of stents is an undesirable condition but endoscopic retrieval may be achieved with a high success rate in experienced centers using the available equipment properly. Cholangioscopy-assisted stent retrieval may be used as a rescue therapy if conventional methods are unsuccessful.