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Review
. 2021 Oct 14;27(38):6357-6373.
doi: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i38.6357.

Fully covered metal biliary stents: A review of the literature

Robert Lam  1 , Thiruvengadam Muniraj  2
Affiliations
Review

Fully covered metal biliary stents: A review of the literature

Robert Lam et al. World J Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Biliary leak; Biliary stricture; Chronic pancreatitis; Endoscopy; Fully covered self-expandable metal stents; Plastic stents; Stent migration.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest statement: None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Various types of plastic and metal stents for endoscopic treatment. A: Plastic biliary stent (10 Fr with flaps); B: Uncovered metal biliary stent; C: Partially covered metal biliary stent; D: Fully covered self-expandable metal biliary stent; E: Fully covered self-expandable metal biliary stent with anti-migration fins (Images B-D courtesy of Boston Scientific Corporation, Boston, United States).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showing cholangiocarcinoma in mid and distal common bile duct compared to normal anatomy. A: Normal anatomy demomonstrating patent cystic, common bile, and intrahepatic ducts; B: Mid common bile duct biliary stricture with dilated common bile duct and intrahepatic ducts; C: Distal common bile duct biliary stricture with dilated common bile duct and intrahepaptic ducts; D: Fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) placement in the common bile duct; E: Endoscopic view of FCSEMS placed in the distal common bile duct.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Endoscopic treatment of biliary leak after donor liver transplantation. A: Extravasation of contrast at site of biliary leak; B: Resolution of biliary leak after placement of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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