Biliary stenting with a prototype expandable Teflon endoprosthesis

Abstract

Background and study aims: A new balloon-expandable Teflon endoprosthesis was developed for endoscopic placement in the biliary tree. After deployment to its maximum diameter the stent is hardened by exposure to UV light. We present our preliminary results with a prototype 18 Fr prosthesis.

Patients and methods: Three patients with a distal common bile duct obstruction due to unresectable pancreatic head carcinoma were treated with this stent. Insertion of the stent was the only palliative procedure. Patients were followed up until stent dysfunction or death.

Results: Stent placement was successful in all patients and no procedural complications occurred. Distal migration occurred in one patient, clogging of the stent after 149 days in another.

Conclusion: In patients with a malignant biliary stricture this newly developed expandable endoprosthesis is effective in relieving obstructive jaundice. The technique has potential advantages over placement of current expandable metal mesh stents.