Can we predict the incidence of high-grade Clavien-Dindo complications in patients with forgotten encrusted stents undergoing endourologic management?

Objective:Ureteral stents are customarily inserted to facilitate urinary drainage,but they come with their own glitches of being forgotten and/or encrusted leading to serious consequences.The present study aimed to report the complications in patients with forgotten and encrusted stents according to the Clavien-Dindo system specific to urological procedures and identify the factors leading to high-grade(Clavien-Dindo Grade 4A or above)complications.Methods:The hospital records of patients with forgotten encrusted double-J stents over a period of 8 years were reviewed.The parameters recorded included patient demographics,indwelling time,need for percutaneous nephrostomy,hemodialysis,urine culture,blood culture,total blood counts,serum creatinine,radiologic findings,management techniques,number of surgical interventions,modified Clavien-Dindo complications,follow-up,and mortality,if any.Results:Forty patients were included in the study.The median age was 52(range 6-85)years.Of the total,25(62.5%)patients had a“significant”stent load;31(77.5%)had renal failure or acute kidney injury on presentation;19(47.5%)patients had sepsis at presentation.Among the patients presented with sepsis,11(57.9%)patients demonstrated a positive urine culture;and 7/11(63.6%)patients exhibited pan-resistant organisms.Twelve out of 40(30.0%)patients in our series developed high-grade Clavien-Dindo complications.On univariate analysis,sepsis at presentation(p=0.007),stent load(p=0.031),diabetes(p=0.023),positive urine culture(p=0.007),and stent indwelling time of more than 1 year(p=0.031)were found to be significant.On multivariate logistic regression analysis,sepsis at presentation(p=0.017)and positive urine culture(p=0.016)were significant predictors for high-grade complications.Conclusion:It is prudent to identify specific risk factors,namely sepsis at presentation and positive urine culture to triage and optimize these patients before surgical management.

Revolutionizing palliative care:Electrocautery-enhanced lumenapposing metal stents in endoscopic-ultrasound-guided biliary drainage for malignant obstructions

Patients with malignant biliary obstruction,following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)failure could be referred for endoscopicultrasound-guided biliary drainage through electrocautery-enhanced(ECE)lumen-apposing metal stent(LAMS)placement.However,the efficacy and safety of ECE-LAMS in this scenario have remained debatable due to minimal scientific evidence.The current confirmed 91.0%clinical success,96.7%technical success,7.3%reintervention rate,and 17.5%adverse events,following the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction with ECE-LAMS delivery.Finally,ECE-LAMS proved to be a generalizable strategy for managing biliary obstruction for patients who were excluded from ERCP.

Unveiling the potential of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents in endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage

This editorial delves into Peng et al's article,published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.Peng et al's meta-analysis investigates the effectiveness of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents(ECE-LAMS)in ultrasound-guided biliary drainage for alleviating malignant biliary obstruction.Examining 14 studies encompassing 620 participants,the research underscores a robust technical success rate of 96.7%,highlighting the efficacy of ECE-LAMS,particularly in challenging cases which have failed endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography.A clinical success rate of 91.0% underscores its impact on symptom alleviation,while a reasonably tolerable adverse event rate of 17.5% is observed.However,the 7.3% re-intervention rate stresses the need for post-procedural monitoring.Subgroup analyses validate consistent outcomes,bolstering the applicability of ECE-LAMS.These findings advocate for the adoption of ECELAMS as an appropriate approach for biliary palliation,urging further exploration in real-world clinical contexts.They offer valuable insights for optimizing interventions targeting malignant biliary obstruction management.

Research on the Status Quo and Optimization of Centralized Procurement of Coronary Stents

Objective To study the impact of the first national centralized procurement of coronary stents on patients’psychology,the economy of medical institutions,and the survival and development of the coronary stents industry,and to provide suggestions on perfecting procedures to better carry out the centralized procurement of coronary stents.Methods Literature analysis was used to investigate the results of the procurement of coronary stent in a province and a hospital.Results and Conclusion The centralized procurement of coronary stents has alleviated the economic pressure of patients,but it has many problems.Therefore,this paper proposes some suggestions,such as promoting the orderly development of the coronary stent industry,improving the evaluation link of the centralized procurement of coronary stents,adopting the accurate reporting model to ensure the quality of coronary stents and improving the standardization of clinical services.

Oncologic impact of colonic stents for obstructive left-sided colon cancer

Colonic stenting has had a significant positive impact on the management of obstructive left-sided colon cancer(OLCC) in terms of both palliative treatment and bridge-to-surgery(BTS). Notably, many studies have convincingly demonstrated the effectiveness of stenting as a BTS, resulting in improvements in shortterm outcomes and quality of life, safety, and efficacy in subsequent curative surgery, and increased cost-effectiveness, whereas the safety of chemotherapy after stenting and the long-term outcomes of stenting as a BTS are controversial. Several studies have suggested an increased risk of perforation in patients receiving bevacizumab chemotherapy after colonic stenting. In addition, several pathological analyses have suggested a negative oncological impact of colonic stenting. In contrast, many recent studies have demonstrated that colonic stenting for OLCC does not negatively impact the safety of chemotherapy or long-term oncological outcomes. The updated version of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines released in 2020 included colonic stenting as a BTS for OLCC as a recommended treatment. It should be noted that the experience of endoscopists is involved in determining technical and clinical success rates and possibly oncological outcomes. This review discusses the positive and negative impacts of colonic stenting on OLCC treatment, particularly in terms of oncology.

Real-world five-year outcomes of FlexyRap®cobalt-chromium rapamycin-eluting stents with biodegradable polymer in patients with de-novo coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND The use of biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents(BP-DES)has been proven to minimize restenosis and stent thrombosis.The current post-marketing monitoring was observed at the 5-year clinical outcomes of individuals who had been treated with FlexyRap®DES in the real world.AIM To assess the safety and effectiveness of FlexyRap®DES at the 5-year follow-up in real-world settings.METHODS Findings from a retrospective,multi-center,observational,post-market clinical follow-up study of patients treated with FlexyRap®DES for de novo coronary artery disease(CAD)were reported.During the 12-mo follow-up,the primary endpoint was target lesion failure,which was defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, target vessel myocardial infarction(TV-MI), and clinically driven target lesion revascularization.RESULTS The data of 500 patients received with FlexyRap®DES was obtained at the completion of the surveillance timeline of 5-year.After the implantation of FlexyRap®DES,the device success rate was 100%.Adverse events that led to major bleeding,permanent disability,or death were not experienced in the patients.The major adverse cardiac event rate at 12-mo,3-year,and 5-year follow-up was 1(0.2%),0(0%),and 1(0.2%)respectively with 0(0%)cardiovascular death,2(0.4%)TV-MI,and 0(0%)TLR compositely.Furthermore,late stent thrombosis was found in 2(0.4%)patients at the follow-up of 12-mo,very late stent thrombosis was observed in 2 patients(0.4%)at 3-year follow-up.CONCLUSION FlexyRap®DES was proved to be safe and efficacious in real-world patients with de novo CAD,indicating a lowered rate of cardiac events and stent thrombosis at 5-year follow-up.

Image-based visualization of stents in mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke:Preliminary findings from a series of cases

BACKGROUND Mechanical thrombectomy is the most effective treatment for great cerebral artery embolization within a set time window.Typically,an arteriogram does not show the localization of the stent after release and whether a thrombus is captured or not.Thus,improving the visualization of a stent in interventional therapy will be helpful for clinicians.AIM To analyze stent imaging findings to enhance clinicians’understanding of a special circumstance,wherein a Solitaire AB retrievable stent was visible during the imaging of a thrombus capture that improved the success rate of stent-based mechanical thrombectomy.METHODS This was a retrospective study with four acute ischemic stroke(AIS)patients who underwent stent-based mechanical thrombectomy.RESULTS Patient 1 was a 64-year-old man admitted after 5 h of confusion;angiography revealed basilar artery occlusion.We inserted a stent into the left posterior cerebral artery-P2 segment and visualized the expanded stent that successfully captured a thrombus.Patient 2 was a 74-year-old man admitted with confusion,which lasted approximately 3 h.Angiography revealed a left middle cerebral artery(MCA)-M1 segment occlusion.A stent was deployed in the distal M2 segment,and we could visualize the stent by capturing the thrombus.Patient 3 was a 74-year-old woman admitted after experiencing left hemiplegia for 3 h.We deployed a stent at the distal right MCAM2 segment,and the developing stent captured a large thrombus.Patient 4 was an 82-year-old man who presented with confusion for 3 h.A developing stent was placed in the distal left MCA-M1 segment,which captured a large thrombus and several fragmented thrombi.CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge,this is the first report of stent imaging in patients with AIS.We demonstrated the usefulness and substantial potential of stent imaging in stent-based mechanical thrombectomy for AIS.

Association of Comorbid Asthma and the Efficacy of Bioabsorbable Steroid-eluting Sinus Stents Implanted After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Objective To identify factors affecting the efficacy of steroid-eluting sinus stents implanted after endoscopic sinus surgery(ESS)in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps(CRSwNP).Methods We performed a post-hoc analysis of a randomized self-controlled clinical trial on post-operative implantation of bioabsorbable steroid-eluting stents in patients with CRSwNP.Univariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify which of the following factors affect the response to post-operative stent implantation:sex,serum eosinophil levels,history of prior surgery,endoscopic scores,and comorbid conditions(asthma and allergic rhinitis).The primary outcome was the rate of post-operative intervention on day 30,and the secondary outcome was the rate of polypoid tissue formation(grades 2–3)on days 14,30,and 90.Results A total of 151 patients with CRSwNP were included in the post-hoc analysis.Asthma was identified as the only risk factor for a poor response to steroid-eluting sinus stents on post-operative day 30,with an odds ratio of 23.71(95%CI,2.81,200.16;P=0.004)for the need for post-operative intervention and 19(95%CI,2.20,164.16;P=0.003)for moderate-to-severe polypoid tissue formation.In addition,the asthmatic group showed higher rates of post-operative intervention and polypoid tissue formation than the non-asthmatic group on post-operative day 30.Blood eosinophil levels were not identified as a risk factor for poor outcomes after stent implantation.Conclusion Comorbid asthma,but not blood eosinophil level,impairs the efficacy of steroid-eluting sinus stents in the short term after ESS in patients with CRSwNP.

Rational design, synthesis and prospect of biodegradable magnesium alloy vascular stents

Biodegradable magnesium(Mg) alloys are expected to be promising materials for cardiovascular stents(CVS), which can avoid the longterm clinical problems of current CVS, such as in-stent restenosis, late stent thrombosis, etc. Mg alloy stents exhibit superior biocompatibility and tunable biodegradability, compared with conventional permanent metallic stents. However, the poor formability and non-uniform corrosion of Mg alloy stents hinder their clinical application of CVS. This review focuses on the development of Mg alloys for CVS in recent years.According to the results of bibliometric analysis, we analyzed different biodegradable Mg alloy systems. Moreover, the structural design strategies for Mg alloy stents that can reduce the stress concentration, as well as the surface modification methods to control the corrosion behavior and biological performance of Mg alloy stents are also highlighted. At last, this review systematically discussed the potential directions and challenges of biodegradable magnesium stents(BMgS) in cardiovascular fields.

Outcomes of colon self-expandable metal stents for malignant vs benign indications at a tertiary care center and review of literature

BACKGROUND Endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent(SEMS)is a minimally invasive treatment for use in malignant and benign colonic obstruction.However,their widespread use is still limited with a nationwide analysis showing only 5.4%of patients with colon obstruction undergoing stent placement.This underutilization could be due to perceived increase risk of complications with stent placement.AIM To review long-and short-term clinical success of SEMS use for colonic obstruction at our center.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all the patients who underwent colonic SEMS placement over aeighteen year period (August 2004 through August 2022) at our academic center. Demographicsincluding age, gender, indication (malignant and benign), technical success, clinical success,complications (perforation, stent migration), mortality, and outcomes were recorded.RESULTSSixty three patients underwent colon SEMS over an 18-year period. Fifty-five cases were formalignant indications, 8 were for benign conditions. The benign strictures included diverticulardisease stricturing (n = 4), fistula closure (n = 2), extrinsic fibroid compression (n = 1), and ischemicstricture (n = 1). Forty-three of the malignant cases were due to intrinsic obstruction from primaryor recurrent colon cancer;12 were from extrinsic compression. Fifty-four strictures occurred on theleft side, 3 occurred on the right and the rest in transverse colon. The total malignant case (n = 55)procedural success rate was 95% vs 100% for benign cases (P = 1.0, NS). Overall complication ratewas significantly higher for benign group: Four complications were observed in the malignantgroup (stent migration, restenosis) vs 2 of 8 (25%) for benign obstruction (1-perforation, 1-stentmigration) (P = 0.02). When stratifying complications of perforation and stent migration there wasno significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.14, NS).CONCLUSIONColon SEMS remains a worthwhile option for colonic obstruction related to malignancy and has ahigh procedural and clinical success rate. Benign indications for SEMS placement appear to havesimilar success to malignant. While there appears to be a higher overall complication rate inbenign cases, our study is limited by sample size. When evaluating for perforation alone theredoes not appear to be any significant difference between the two groups. SEMS placement may bea practical option for indications other that malignant obstruction. Interventional endoscopistsshould be aware and discuss the risk for complications in setting of benign conditions. Indicationsin these cases should be discussed in a multi-disciplinary fashion with colorectal surgery.

Fully covered metal biliary stents: A review of the literature

Fully covered self-expandable metal stents(FCSEMS)represent the latest advancement of metal biliary stents used to endoscopically treat a variety of obstructive biliary pathology.A large stent diameter and synthetic covering over the tubular mesh prolong stent patency and reduce risk for tissue hyperplasia and tumor ingrowth.Additionally,FCSEMS can be easily removed.All these features address issues faced by plastic and uncovered metal stents.The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the application of FCSEMS in benign and malignant biliary strictures,biliary leak,and post-sphincterotomy bleeding.

Self-expanding metallic esophageal stents:A long way to go before a particular stent can be recommended

We agree that the covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) fare better than the uncovered stents as recurrent dysphagia due to tumor ingrowth is common with uncovered stent. Recent American College of Gastroenterology Practice Guideline on the Role of Esophageal Stents in Benign and Malignant Diseases concludes that SEMSs cannot be routinely recommended in conjunction with chemo-radiation. The comparison of ultraflex and choostent in the Italian study found no difference in the palliation of dysphagia, rate of complications and survival rate.

Fatigue Performance of Fabrics of Stent-Grafts Supported with Z-Stents vs. Ringed Stents

Stent-grafts were commercialized rapidly and gained a broad clinical acceptance over the past two decades. However,relatively more recent recognition of particular stent-graft design shortcomings have been identified which need to be addressed. It appears that various stent-graft designs may be more or less resistant to metal fatigue and /or fabric abrasions which can lead to type III and type IV endoleaks over the long term. Therefore,it is necessary to investigate the fatigue performance of the most common stentgraft designs: Z-stents and ringed stents,in a long-term in vitro fatigue simulation environment. This paper aimed to analyze nondestructively( gross observations) and destructively( fabric characteristics,mechanical and chemical properties) in order to put forward suggestions to improve the fabric and stent characteristics that may prevent type III and IV endoleaks. The fabric supported with ringed stent-grafts remained nearly completely intact after 168h. However, the fabric supported with Z-stents demonstrated significant damage. Fabric characteristics and tensile strength of the fibers did not present a significant difference between the control and fatigue simulated specimens. The crystallinity declined for both specimens. The fatigue performance of fabrics supported with ringed stents appears to be superior to that supported with Z-stents. The potential for a dynamic and destructive interaction between the apices of Z-stents which can lead to fraying and /or tearing of the graft fabric must be addressed in future designs.

The Placement of Esophageal Stents in Different Esophageal Disease Related Conditions—A Review

In the past, the esophagus diseases causing the patient to unable to intake oral diet such as esophageal strictures, leaks, tracheoesophageal fistulas, etc. were managed by surgical interventions and parenteral nutrition to meet the demand of the body. After the development of technique of stent placement in esopahgus, there was revolutionary change in the management of such conditions promoting patients to take diet orally and improve their nutritional status as well as quality of life. Different types of commercial stents are available in the market with their own pros and cons. Our aim of this study was to review the different stents being used currently in the clinical practice, comparing the stents on their therapeutic outcome and complications, optimal timing of removal of stents for benign conditions and the methods studied by different clinicians to lower the rate of complications and reinterventions.

Stents for colorectal obstruction:Past,present,and future

Since the development of uncovered self-expanding metal stents(SEMS) in the 1990 s, endoscopic stents have evolved dramatically. Application of new materialsand new designs has expanded the indications for enteral SEMS. At present, enteral stents are considered the first-line modality for palliative care, and numerous types of enteral stents are under development for extended clinical usage, beyond a merely palliative purpose. Herein, we will discuss the current status and the future development of lower enteral stents.

Biodegradable stents in gastrointestinal endoscopy

Biodegradable stents(BDSs)are an attractive option to avoid ongoing dilation or surgery in patients with benign stenoses of the small and large intestines.The experience with the currently the only BDS for endoscopic placement,made of Poly-dioxanone,have shown promising results.However some aspects should be improved as are the fact that BDSs lose their radial force over time due to the degradable material,and that can cause stent-induced mucosal or parenchymal injury.This complication rate and modest clinical efficacy has to be carefully considered in individual patients prior to placement of BDSs.Otherwise,the price of these stents therefore it is nowadays an important limitation.

Palliation of malignant esophageal obstruction and fistulas with self expandable metallic stents

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of self expandable metallic stents (SEMS) in patients with malignant esophageal obstruction and fistulas. METHODS: SEMS were implanted in the presence of fluoroscopic guidance in patients suffering from advanced and non-resectable esophageal, cardiac and invasive lung cancer between 2002 and 2009. All procedures were performed under conscious sedation. All patients had esophagus obstruction and/or fistula. In all patients who required reintervention, recurrence of dysphagia, hemorrhage, and fistula formation were indications for further endoscopy. Patients' files were scanned retrospectively and the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 13.0 for Windows. The χ 2 test was used for categorical data and was analysis of variance for noncategorical data. Patients' long-term survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Stents were successfully implanted in 90 patients using fluoroscopic guidance. Reasons for stent implantation in these patients were esophageal stricture (77/90, 85.5%), external pressure (8/90, 8.8%) and tracheo-esophageal fistula (5/90, 5.5%). Dysphagia scores (mean ± SD) were 3.37 ± 0.52 before and 0.90 ± 0.43 after stent implantation (P = 0.002). Intermittent, nonmassive hemorrhage due to the erosion caused by the distal end of the stent in the stomach occurred in only one patient who received implementation at cardioesophageal junction. Mean survival following stenting was 134.14 d (95% confidence interval: 94.06-174.21).CONCLUSION: SEMS placement is safe and effective in the palliation of dysphagia in selected patients with malignant esophageal strictures.

Characterization of biofilms in biliary stents and potential factors involved in occlusion

AIM To quantify the components in biofilms and analyze the predisposing factors involved in occlusion of biliary stents. METHODS In a prospective study conducted from April 2011 to March 2014 at a tertiary care hospital, all consecutive patients who required endoscopic biliary stent exchange/removal were included. Etiology of the biliary disease was diagnosed by imaging, cytology and on follow-up. Clinical details of patients with biliary stent retrieval were noted. All extracted stents were collected in sterile containers and immediatelyprocessed for quantification of biofilm proteins and polysaccharides. Molecular identification of commonly known and unknown bacteria was performed by polymerase chain reaction and density gradient gel electrophoresis methods. RESULTS Eighty one patients(41 males) with age range of 20-86 years were studied. The underlying causes for stent insertion were bile duct stones(n = 46; 56.8%) benign stricture(n = 29; 35.8%) and malignancy(n = 6; 7.4%) with cholangitis in 50(61.7%) patients. The retrieved stent sizes were 7 Fr(n = 62; 76.5%) and 10 Fr(n = 19; 23.5%) with 65 days median insertion duration. Polybacterial consortia were detected in 90.1% of the stents. The most common bacteria identified by polymerase chain reaction alone and/or sequencing were Pseudomonas(n = 38), Citrobacter(n = 23), Klebsiella(n = 22), Staphylococcus(n = 20), Serratia(n = 16), Escherichia coli(n = 14), Streptococcus(n = 13), Enterococcus(n = 13), Aeromonas(n = 12), Proteus(n = 10) and Enterobacter(n = 9). Protein concentration according to gender(0.547 ± 0.242 mg/ml vs 0.458 ± 0.259 mg/ml; P = 0.115) as well as age > 60 years and < 60 years(0.468 ± 0.295 mg/ml vs 0.386 ± 0.238 mg/ml; P = 0.205) was non-significant. However, polysaccharide concentration was significant both according to gender(0.052 ± 0.021 mg/ml vs 0.049 ± 0.016 mg/ml; P < 0.0001) and age(0.051 ± 0.026 mg/ml vs 0.038 ± 0.016 mg/ml; P < 0.011). Protein concentration in the biofilm was significantly higher(0.555 ± 0.225 mg/ml vs 0.419 ± 0.276 mg/ml; P = 0.018) in patients with cholangitis, lower(0.356 ± 0.252 mg/ml vs 0.541 ± 0.238 mg/ml; P = 0.005) in the 10 Fr group than the 7 Fr group, and significantly higher(0.609 ± 0.240 mg/ml vs 0.476 ± 0.251 mg/ml; P = 0.060) in stents of ≥ 6 mo of indwelling time. However presence/absence of cholangitis, size of stent, indication of stent insertion and indwelling time did not affect the quantity of polysaccharide concentration.CONCLUSION Plastic stents retrieved from patients with biliary tract disease showed polymicrobial organisms with higher protein content among patients with cholangitis and those with smaller diameter stents. longer indwelling duration had more biofilm formation.

Temporary self-expanding metallic stents for achalasia: A prospective study with a long-term follow-up

AIM: To compare the efficacy of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMSs) for the long-term clinical treatment of achalasia. METHODS: Ninety achalasic patients were treated with a temporary SEMS with a diameter of 20 mm (n = 30, group A), 25 mm (n = 30, group B) or 30 mm (n = 30, group C). Data on clinical symptoms, complications and treatment outcomes were collected, and follow-up was made at 6 mo and at 1, 3-5, 5-8, 8-10 and > 10 years, postoperatively.RESULTS: Stent placement was successful in all patients. Although chest pain occurrence was high, stent migration was less in group C than in groups A and B. The clinical remission rate at 5-8, 8-10 and > 10 years in group C was higher than that in the other two groups. The treatment failure rate was lower in group C (13%) than in groups A (53%) and B (27%). SEMSs in group C resulted in reduced dysphagia scores and lowered esophageal sphincter pressures, as well as normal levels of barium height and width during all the follow-up time periods. Conversely, these parameters increased over time in groups A and B. The primary patency in group C was longer than in groups A and B. CONCLUSION: A temporary SEMS with a diameter of 30 mm is associated with a superior long-term clinical efficacy in the treatment of achalasia compared with a SEMS with a diameter of 20 mm or 25 mm.

Evaluation of fully covered self-expanding metal stents in benign biliary strictures and bile leaks

AIM: To investigate the use of fully covered metal stents in benign biliary strictures (BBS) and bile leaks. METHODS: We studied 17 patients, at Harbor-UCLA Medical center (Los Angeles), with BBS (n=12) and bile leaks (n=5) from July 2007 to February 2012 that had received placement of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMs). Fourteen patients had endoscopic placement of VIABIL (Conmed, Utica, New York, United States) stents and three had Wallflex (Boston Scientific, Mass) stents. FCSEMS were 8 mm or 10 mm in diameter and 4 cm to 10 cm in length. Patients were followed at regular intervals to evaluate for symptoms and liver function tests. FCSEMS were removed after 4 or more weeks. Resolution of BBS and leak was documented cholangiographically following stent removal. Stent patency can be defined as adequate bile and contrast flow from the stent and into the ampulla during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) without clinical signs and/or symptoms of biliary obstruction. Criterion for bile leak resolution at ERCP is defined as absence of contrast extravasation from the common bile duct, cystic duct remanent, or gall blad-der fossa. Rate of complications such as migration, and instent occlusion were recorded. Failure of endoscopic therapy was defined as persistent biliary stenosis or continuous biliary leakage after 12 mo of stent placement. RESULTS: All 17 patients underwent successful FC- SEMS placement and removal. Etiologies of BBS included: cholecystectomies (n=8), cholelithiasis (n=2), hepatic artery compression (n=1), pancreatitis (n=2), and Whipple procedure (n=1). All bile leaks occurred following cholecystectomy. The anatomic location of BBS varied: distal common bile duct (n=7), common hepatic duct (n=1), hepaticojejunal anastomosis (n=2), right intrahepatic duct (n=1), and choledochoduo-denal anastomatic junction (n=1). All bile leaks were found to be at the cystic duct. Twelve of 17 patients had failed prior stent placement or exchange. Resolution of the biliary strictures and bile leaks was achieved in 16 of 17 patients (94%). The overall median stent time was 63 d (range 27-251 d). The median stent time for the BBS group and bile leak group was 62 ± 58 d (range 27-199 d) and 92 ± 81 d (range 48-251 d), respectively. All 17 patients underwent successful FCSEMS removal. Long term follow-up was obtained for a median of 575 d (range 28-1435 d). Complications occurred in 5 of 17 patients (29%) and included: migration (n=2), stent clogging (n=1), cholangitis (n=1), and sepsis with hepatic abscess (n=1). CONCLUSION: Placement of fully covered self-expanding metal stents may be used in the management of benign biliary strictures and bile leaks with a low rate of complications.