Endoscopic stenting for biliary and pancreatic malignancies

Abstract

Endoscopic treatment of pancreatobiliary malignancies has been recognized in the last decades as the treatment of choice in inoperable patients. Endoscopic armamentarium includes biliary stents (plastic and metallic) to bypass neoplastic strictures of the biliary tree, and pancreatic stents to palliate the obstructive pain caused by stenoses of the main pancreatic duct. A major issue is the long-term patency of plastic stents that will eventually clog on average after 3 to 4 months. Self-expandable metallic stents have longer patency, but they can also become occluded by tumor ingrowth or overgrowth; they are also much more expensive; their use is thus recommended in patients with longer life expectancy. Decompression of the dilated main pancreatic duct in pancreatic carcinoma may be effective in the relief of obstructive pain. Endoscopic palliation in pancreatic and biliary malignancies appears safe and effective; management of patient in referral centers, with an available team of gastroenterologists with endoscopic skills, surgeons, and radiologists is recommended.