Theme |
Malignant Biliary Stricture -- Recent Advancements on Diagnosis & Treatment |
Title |
Stenting for Malignant Distal Biliary Stenosis |
Author |
Masayuki Kitano |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine |
Author |
Hajime Imai |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine |
Author |
Masatoshi Kudo |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine |
[ Summary ] |
Long duration of patency and minimal adverse effects are desired properties of biliary stents used in palliation of malignant biliary obstructions. Compared to plastic stents, metallic stents (MS) have higher patency rates and play an important role in treatment of malignant distal biliary strictures. Dysfunction of MS is caused by sludge formation, tumor ingrowth, tumor overgrowth, stent migration or kinking. The advantages to be gained by using covered versus uncovered MSs for palliation in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction have been actively discussed. However, covered MSs with anti-migration systems (high radial force, low axial force and equipment with uncovered flares) provides longer stent patency than uncovered MSs. Appropriate stents should be selected by taking patientsʼ conditions (primary tumor, staging, location and length of the stricture, biliary deformation etc.) into consideration. |