Management of liver transplantation biliary stricture: Results from a tertiary hospital

Efficacy of different stent types in post-liver-transplant anastomotic biliary strictures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Stent selection in the endoscopic management of post-liver-transplant anastomotic biliary strictures remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the potential differences between available stents.

Methods

MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were searched until April 2023 for comparative studies evaluating stricture management using multiple plastic stents (MPS) and self-expandable metal stents (SEMS), including fully-covered (FC)- and intraductal (ID)-SEMS. The primary outcome was stricture resolution, while secondary outcomes included stricture recurrence, stent migration and adverse events. Meta-analyses were based on a random-effects model and the results were reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analyses by type of metal stent and a cost-effectiveness analysis were also performed.

Results

Nine studies (687 patients) were finally included. Considering stricture resolution, SEMS and MPS did not differ significantly (OR 0.99, 95%CI 0.48-2.01; I 2=35%). Stricture recurrence, migration rates and adverse events were also comparable (OR 1.71, 95%CI 0.87-3.38; I 2=55%, OR 0.73, 95%CI 0.32-1.68; I 2=56%, and OR 1.47, 95%CI 0.89-2.43; I 2=24%, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, stricture resolution and recurrence rates did not differ for ID-SEMS vs. MPS or FC-SEMS vs. MPS. Migration rates were lower for ID-SEMS compared to MPS (OR 0.28, 95%CI 0.11-0.70; I 2=0%), and complication rates were higher after FC-SEMS compared to MPS (OR 1.76, 95%CI 1.06-2.93; I 2=0%). Finally, ID-SEMS were the most cost-effective approach, with the lowest incremental cost-effectiveness ratio: 3447.6 £/QALY.

Conclusion

Stent type did not affect stricture resolution and recurrence; however, ID-SEMS placement was the most cost-effective approach compared to the alternatives.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on management of post-liver transplant biliary strictures: methodology and review of evidence

This clinical practice guideline from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy provides an evidence-based approach for strategies to manage biliary strictures in liver transplant recipients. This document was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. The guideline addresses the role of ERCP versus percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and covered self-expandable metal stents (cSEMSs) versus multiple plastic stents for therapy of strictures, use of MRCP for diagnosing post-transplant biliary strictures, and administration of antibiotics versus no antibiotics during ERCP. In patients with post-transplant biliary strictures, we suggest ERCP as the initial intervention and cSEMSs as the preferred stent. In patients with unclear diagnosis or intermediate probability of a stricture, we suggest MRCP as the diagnostic modality. We suggest that antibiotics should be administered during ERCP when biliary drainage cannot be assured.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of Biliary Strictures

A biliary stricture is an abnormal narrowing in the ductal drainage system of the liver that can result in clinically and physiologically relevant obstruction to the flow of bile. The most common and ominous etiology is malignancy, underscoring the importance of a high index of suspicion in the evaluation of this condition. The goals of care in patients with a biliary stricture are confirming or excluding malignancy (diagnosis) and reestablishing flow of bile to the duodenum (drainage); the approach to diagnosis and drainage varies according to anatomic location (extrahepatic vs perihilar). For extrahepatic strictures, endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition is highly accurate and has become the diagnostic mainstay. In contrast, the diagnosis of perihilar strictures remains a challenge. Similarly, the drainage of extrahepatic strictures tends to be more straightforward and safer and less controversial than that of perihilar strictures. Recent evidence has provided some clarity in multiple important areas pertaining to biliary strictures, whereas several remaining controversies require additional research. The goal of this guideline is to provide practicing clinicians with the most evidence-based guidance on the approach to patients with extrahepatic and perihilar strictures, focusing on diagnosis and drainage.

Does endoscopic sphincterotomy contribute to the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis after endoscopic biliary stenting for malignant biliary obstruction? A multicenter prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the necessity of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) after endoscopic stenting in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. We investigated the incidence of PEP after endoscopic biliary stenting for malignant biliary obstruction with or without ES in a multicenter prospective cohort study.

METHODS

We enrolled 807 patients who underwent endoscopic biliary stenting for malignant biliary obstruction with a native papilla at 36 hospitals between April 2017 and March 2018. The incidence of PEP in patients with or without ES was compared for subgroups based on stent type, placement method, and patient background. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the incidence of PEP in all stenting patients.

RESULTS

Plastic and metal stents (MS) were inserted in 598 and 209 patients, respectively. The incidence of PEP in patients with or without ES was 7.9% and 7.4%, respectively among all stenting patients. The incidences of PEP with or without ES in plastic stent insertion patients, patients with MS insertion, stent insertions across the papilla, stent insertions across the papilla in patients without main pancreatic duct obstruction, and fully covered MS insertions across the papilla were compared. There was no overall significant difference in the incidence of PEP between those with or without ES. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for the incidence of PEP in all stenting patients revealed obstruction of the main pancreatic duct at the pancreatic head and epinephrine spraying on the papilla were significant factors; there was no significant difference in the incidence of PEP between patients with or without ES.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic sphincterotomy may not contribute to the prevention of PEP after endoscopic biliary stenting for malignant biliary obstruction, even in cases of insertion with a fully covered MS across the papilla.

The reasonable therapeutic modality for biliary duct-to-duct anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation: ERCP or PTC?

Objective

To compare the initial success rate, feasibility, and effectiveness of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) versus percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) for anastomotic biliary stricture after liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data collected during January 2015 to December 2021 from liver transplantation recipients who developed anastomotic biliary stricture after liver transplantation and treated by ERCP and/or PTC. The success rate, complications and patients’ survival rate of ERCP and PTC procedures was evaluated.

Results

Forty-eight patients who underwent LT and were confirmed to have the anastomotic biliary stricture were enrolled. Overall, 48/48 patients underwent single or multiple ERCP procedures as the first line therapy; 121 therapeutic ERCPs (3.36 ± 2.53 ERCPs per patient) were performed in 36/48 patients successfully. All the 12 patients who failed ERCP tend to have special bile duct conditions such as overlong, angle shaped, and/or extremely narrowed bile duct and underwent PTC as an alternative treatment. The initial success rate of ERCP was 75% (36/48) while the success rate of ERCP for the 12 patients with special bile duct was 0% (0/12). PTC was an effective second-line treatment for those 12 patients who failed ERCP, and 58.33% (7 of 12 cases) were treated successfully. The average procedure time in PTC group was significantly lower than ERCP group (t=2.292, P=0.027). The feasibility of ERCP was associated with the anatomical shape of bile duct and the severity of the stricture site. Finally, the cumulative survival rate was 100% (12/12) in PTC group compared to 86.11% (31/36) in ERCP group (χ^{2 =}0.670, P=0.413).

Conclusion

ERCP is the gold standard method for the diagnosis and effective intervention for the management of biliary complications after LT. However, its use in certain types of biliary complications (e.g., patients with severe anastomotic biliary stricture and those with overlong and angle shaped bile ducts) is not promising and associated with significant risk of complications. PTC and other interventions should be studied along with ERCP for patients for whom ERCP may not work. The feasibility and efficacy of primary management can be predicted by the noninvasive imaging examinations like Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) before the procedure, which may help with the choice of the most reasonable therapeutic modality and avoiding unnecessary financial burden and complications.

Migration rate using fully covered metal stent in anastomotic strictures after liver transplantation: Results from the BASALT study group

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

The traditional endoscopic therapy of anastomotic strictures (AS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is multiple ERCPs with the insertion of an increasing number of plastic stents side-by-side. Fully covered self-expanding metal stents (cSEMS) could be a valuable option to decrease the number of procedures needed or non-responders to plastic stents. This study aims to retrospectively analyse the results of AS endoscopic treatment by cSEMS and to identify any factors associated with its success.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-one patients (mean age 55.9 ± 7.6 SD; 73 males) from nine Italian transplantation centres, had a cSEMS positioned for post-OLT-AS between 2007 and 2017. Forty-nine (54%) patients were treated with cSEMS as a second-line treatment.

RESULTS

All the procedures were successfully performed without immediate complications. After ERCP, adverse events occurred in 11% of cases (2 moderate pancreatitis and 8 cholangitis). In 49 patients (54%), cSEMSs migrated. After cSEMS removal, 46 patients (51%) needed further endoscopic (45 patients) or radiological (1 patient) treatments to solve the AS. Lastly, seven patients underwent surgery. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression showed that cSEMS migration was the only factor associated with further treatments (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-6.6; p value 0.03); cSEMS implantation before 12 months from OLT was associated with stent migration (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.7-16.0; p value 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

cSEMS appears to be a safe tool to treat AS. cSEMS migration is the main limitation to its routinary implantation and needs to be prevented, probably with the use of new generation anti-migration stents.

Migration of fully covered self-expandable metallic stents used to treat anastomotic strictures after orthotopic liver transplantation: A single-center, retrospective analysis

Insertion of a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (FCEM) through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is an effective solution for biliary anastomotic stricture following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, FCEM migration continues to plague patients. This study aimed to evaluate the FCEM migration rate in our center, and to investigate the factors increasing the migration risk for FCEM.The study enrolled 43 post-OLT patients with confirmed duct-to-duct AS. The effects of age, gender, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, ABO (blood group system consists of four antigens) incompatibility, stricture length, FCEM brand, FCEM length, donor liver and recipient bile duct diameters, size mismatches between the donor and recipient bile ducts >2 mm, diabetes and/or hypertension status, endoscopic sphincterotomy status, the use of plastic stents or nasobiliary drainage prior to FCEM implantation, duration from OLT to FCEM placement, and OLT etiology on FCEM migration were retrospectively analyzed.The FCEM migration rate was 48.8% (21/43) at 6 months. The serum AST level was significantly higher in the migration group than that in the nonmigration group (52.48 vs 29.50 U/L, P < .05). A lower serum AST level was associated with a decreased risk of FCEM migration in post-OLT patients with duct-to-duct anastomotic stricture (hazard ratio = 0.968, 95% confidence interval: 0.940-0.996, P = .028).In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, we showed that an elevated serum AST level was a potential risk factor for FCEM migration.

Biliary complications after liver transplantation: current perspectives and future strategies

Importance

Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease and with acute liver failure, and it is associated with excellent outcomes and survival rates at 1 and 5 years. The incidence of biliary complications (BCs) after LT is reported to range from 5% to 20%, most of them occurring in the first three months, although they can occur also several years after transplantation.

Objective

The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidences on pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and therapeutic management of BCs after LT.

Evidence Review

a literature review was performed of papers on this topic focusing on risk factors, classifications, diagnosis and treatment.

Findings

Principal risk factors include surgical techniques and donor's characteristics for biliary leakage and anastomotic biliary strictures and vascular alterations for non- anastomotic biliary strictures. MRCP is the gold standard both for intra- and extrahepatic BCs, while invasive cholangiography should be restricted for therapeutic uses or when MRCP is equivocal. About treatment, endoscopic techniques are the first line of treatment with success rates of 70-100%. The combined success rate of ERCP and PTBD overcome 90% of cases. Biliary leaks often resolve spontaneously, or with the positioning of a stent in ERCP for major bile leaks.

Conclusions and Relevance

BCs influence morbidity and mortality after LT, therefore further evidences are needed to identify novel possible risk factors, to understand if an immunological status that could lead to their development exists and to compare the effectiveness of innovative surgical and machine perfusion techniques.

Diagnosis and management of benign biliary strictures post liver transplantation in adults

Benign biliary strictures after liver transplantation are common and can lead to graft dysfunction and decreased patient survival. Post-transplant strictures are classified as anastomotic or non-anastomotic which differ in response to therapy. Risk factors for biliary strictures following transplantation include impaired blood supply, surgical factors, and biliary anomalies. Patients can present with biliary obstruction but most will be asymptomatic, with only abnormal graft function. MRCP is the most sensitive noninvasive tool for diagnosing biliary complications. In most centres worldwide endoscopy is used first-line in the management of anastomotic strictures, although there is significant variation in endoscopic technique employed; including dilation, placing a single or multiple plastic stents, a fully covered metal stent and most recently using intra-ductal fully covered metal stents. With the introduction of fully covered metal stents the number of interventions patients require has reduced and overall the clinical success of the endoscopic approach has steadily improved. Percutaneous and surgical treatments are now reserved for patients in whom endoscopic management fails or who have had Roux-en-Y anastomoses. However even in these cases, combined procedures with interventional radiology, or implementation of enteroscopy and EUS-guided approaches now means very few patients ultimately require surgical revision.

Best period to replace or change plastic stents with self-expandable metallic stents using multivariate competing risk regression analysis

In endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) for various benign and malignant biliary disorders, the appropriate timing to replace or change a plastic stent (PS) with a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) remains unclear. This study aimed to define the best period to replace or change a PS with a SEMS. Between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018, 1,887 consecutive EBD procedures, including 170 SEMS placements, were retrospectively identified. The period to recurrent biliary obstruction (PRBO) was estimated and compared between the malignant and benign groups and according to each disease using time to event analysis and competing risk analysis. Compared with the benign group, the malignant group had significantly shorter median PRBO with interquartile range (IQR) after PS placement [108 (39 – 270) vs. 613 (191 – 1,329) days, P < 0.001], even on multivariate analysis, with a subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) of 3.58 (P < 0.001). The shortest PRBO distribution from the first quartile of the non-RBO period was seen in Mirizzi syndrome cases (25 days, P = 0.030, SHR = 3.32) in the benign group and in cases of pancreatic cancer (32 days, P = 0.041, SHR = 2.06); perihilar bile duct cancer (27 days, P = 0.006, SHR = 2.69); and ampullary cancer (22 days, P = 0.001, SHR = 3.78) in the malignant group. Our study supports that stent replacement for the benign group is feasible after 6 months, and the best period to replace or change a PS with a SEMS should be decided on the basis of the underlying disease to prevent RBO.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INVASIVE PROCEDURES IN PATIENTS WITH DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND BILIARY TRACT: REPORT OF A JOINT MEETING OF THE BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF HEPATOLOGY (SBH), BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY (SOBED) AND BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY AND ENDOVASCULAR SURGERY (SOBRICE)

Liver and biliary tract diseases are common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Invasive procedures are usually performed in those patients with hepatobiliary diseases for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Defining proper indications and restraints of commonly used techniques is crucial for proper patient selection, maximizing positive results and limiting complications. In 2018, the Brazilian Society of Hepato-logy (SBH) in cooperation with the Brazilian Society of Interventional Radiology and Endovascular surgery (SOBRICE) and the Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SOBED) sponsored a joint single-topic meeting on invasive procedures in patients with hepatobiliary diseases. This paper summarizes the proceedings of the aforementioned meeting. It is intended to guide clinicians, gastroenterologists, hepatologists, radiologists, and endoscopists for the proper use of invasive procedures for management of patients with hepatobiliary diseases.

Efficacy of Different Endoscopic Stents in the Management of Postoperative Biliary Strictures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic stents are the first-line treatment in the management of benign biliary stricture (BBS) which include multiple plastic stents (MPSs), fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) including the conventional and modified ones (FCSEMS-C and FCSEMS-M) and biodegradable stents. However, different stents have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. We aim to conduct this systematic review to compare the efficacy of different stents in the management of BBS.

METHODS

Several databases were searched from inception through March 2018. Studies including >10 patients with postoperative stricture treated with endoscopic stents were enrolled. Pooled odds ratio of outcomes were calculated to compare MPS with FCSEMS. Weighted pooled rates were calculated to show the efficacy of FCSEMS-M, FCSEMS-C, and MPS.

RESULTS

Twenty-two articles were reviewed including 4 randomized controlled studies, 4 cohort studies, and 14 case series studies. Comparing FCSEMS with MPS, the pooled odds ratio was 0.48 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22-1.05] (P=0.07) for stricture resolution, 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1-0.92) (P=0.03) for adverse event, 1.9 (95% CI: 0.3-12) (P=0.49) for stent migration, and 1.38 (95% CI: 0.36-5.3) (P=0.34) for stricture recurrence. The pooled rates for stricture recurrence of MPS, FCSEMS-C, and FCSEMS-M were 19%, 19%, and 7%, respectively. The pooled rates for stent migration were 4% of MPS, 25% of FCSEMS-C, and 3% of FCSEMS-M.

CONCLUSIONS

FCSEMS-M is more favorable in the management of BBS comparing with MPS or FCSEMS-C. The biodegradable stent may be a promising option but currently available data is insufficient to draw a firm conclusion.

The Status of SEMS Versus Plastic Stents for Benign Biliary Strictures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Benign biliary strictures can be treated with plastic stents and self-expandable metal stents (SEMS). This review article delineates the latest scientific evidence for their usage.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite evolving literature on both type of stents as treatment modalities of benign biliary strictures, which encompass mainly anastomotic strictures and strictures related to chronic pancreatitis, no final conclusions can be drawn regarding the superiority of a particular stent. SEMS tend to have higher stricture resolution rates and fewer procedural requirements which are partly offset by higher stent migration and stricture recurrence rates compared with plastic stents. Additional studies focusing on new SEMS types with anti-migration features as well as cost-effectiveness calculations are necessary for clinical decision-making when treating patients with benign biliary strictures.

A cost analysis of early biliary strictures following orthotopic liver transplantation in the United States

INTRODUCTION

To date, the financial burden of biliary strictures (BS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has remained largely unassessed. This study sought to approximate perioperative costs associated with early BS and delineate where in the hospital these costs are incurred.

METHODS

The Premier Healthcare Database was queried for patients undergoing OLT between 2010 and 2016. Patients who did and did not develop early BS were compared with respect to perioperative costs and outcome variables. Multivariable regression models were used to estimate differences between groups.

RESULTS

Patients who developed early BS had a longer length of stay (LOS) (35.3 days vs 17.8 days, P < 0.001) and were less likely to be discharged home (odds ratio = 0.45, P = 0.003). Development of early BS was associated with an incremental cost increase of $81 881 (45.8%, P < 0.001). The greatest relative cost increases were in radiology (+163.5%) and respiratory therapy (+157.1%), while the greatest absolute increase was in room and board (+$27 589).

CONCLUSIONS

Early BS after OLT result in higher costs stemming from longer LOS and increased need for various diagnostic studies and therapies. In addition to incentivizing measures that may prevent early BS, hospitals should account for these factors when developing payment schemes for OLT with payors.

Liver transplant-related anastomotic biliary strictures: a novel, rapid, safe, radiation-sparing, and cost-effective management approach

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Biliary strictures after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are typically managed by sequential ERCP procedures, with incremental dilation of the stricture and stent exchange (IDSE) and placement of new stents. This approach resolves >80% of strictures after 12 months but requires costly, lengthy ERCPs with significant patient radiation exposure. Increasing awareness of the harmful effects of radiation, escalating healthcare costs, and decreasing reimbursement for procedures mandate maximal efficiency in performing ERCP. We compared the traditional IDSE protocol with a sequential stent addition (SSA) protocol, in which additional stents are placed across the stricture during sequential ERCPs, without stent removal/exchange or stricture dilation.

METHODS

Patients undergoing ERCP for OLT-related anastomotic strictures from 2010 to 2016 were identified from a prospectively maintained endoscopy database. Procedure duration, fluoroscopy time, stricture resolution rates, adverse events, materials fees, and facility fees were analyzed for IDSE and SSA procedures.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients underwent 277 IDSE and 132 SSA procedures. Mean fluoroscopy time was 64.5% shorter (P < .0001) and mean procedure duration 41.5% lower (P < .0001) with SSA compared with IDSE. SSA procedures required fewer accessory devices, resulting in significantly lower material (63.8%, P < .0001) and facility costs (42.8%, P < .0001) compared with IDSE. Stricture resolution was >95%, and low adverse event rates did not significantly differ.

CONCLUSIONS

SSA results in shorter, cost-effective procedures requiring fewer accessory devices and exposing patients to less radiation. Stricture resolution rates are equivalent to IDSE, and adverse events do not differ significantly, even in this immunocompromised population.

Endoscopic treatment of anastomotic biliary stricture after adult deceased donor liver transplantation with multiple plastic stents versus self-expandable metal stents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Anastomotic biliary strictures (ABSs) occur in up to 15% of patients after liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) versus multiple plastic stents (MPS). Databases were searched through April 2017. The outcome measures were technical success, stricture resolution, recurrence and complications. We synthesized the findings descriptively and performed a meta-analysis. Three randomized controlled trials and one retrospective cohort study were identified, including 179 MPS and 119 SEMS patients. Outcome data were pooled in a meta-analysis that showed an advantage of SEMS in terms of the number of ERCP procedures (mean difference: 1.69 ERCP; 95% CI, 1-2.39; P < 0.00001) and treatment days (mean difference: 40.2 days; 95% CI, 3.9-76.4; P = 0.03), with no differences in terms of ABS resolution or recurrence. Fourteen case series reported MPS outcomes and fifteen reported SEMS outcomes, including 647 and 419 patients, respectively. Based on low-quality evidence, we cannot draw any reliable conclusions on the superiority of MPS or SEMS strategies. Even though shorter treatment times and fewer ERCP procedures support the use of SEMS, whether one technique has well-defined advantages over the other remains unclear.

Endoscopic Therapy is Effective for Recurrent Anastomotic Biliary Strictures after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Orthotopic liver transplantation anastomotic biliary strictures (OLT ABS) are managed with endoscopic biliary stent therapy but the recurrence rate is substantial. Our aims were to retrospectively determine the recurrence rates of OLT ABS after initial successful stent therapy, characterize the management of recurrences and identify associated variables.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical data from 943 patients receiving non-living donor OLT at our institution from 2005-2012 were reviewed, and 123 OLT ABS patients receiving stent therapy were identified. Features of their endoscopic stent therapy and other pertinent clinical information were evaluated.

RESULTS

ABS recurred in 25.5% of patients (24/94) after an initial successful course of stent therapy. Recurrences were received a second course of endoscopic stent therapy and 67% of patients (16/24) achieved long-term remediation of ABS. Six patients underwent a third course of endoscopic stent therapy with 4 patients achieving remediation. Overall remediation rate among ABS recurrences was 83.3% (20/24). A bivariate comparison demonstrated HCV infection, age, median months of maximal stenting and a lower maximum cumulative stent diameter were risk factors for ABS recurrence. Using a Cox regression model, only HCV status proved to be a risk factor for recurrence.

DISCUSSION

In conclusion repeat stent therapy achieved high stricture remediation rates. Recurrence after the first or even second course of stenting should not imply failure of endoscopic therapy. A positive HCV status may be associated with higher stricture recurrence rates and this association should be further investigated.

Clinical outcome of endoscopic covered metal stenting for resolution of benign biliary stricture: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Management of benign biliary stricture is challenging. Endoscopic therapy has evolved as the first-line treatment for various benign biliary strictures. However, covered self-expandable metal stents (CSEMS) have not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of benign biliary stricture. With this goal, we conducted the present systemic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic stenting with CSEMS in the treatment of benign biliary stricture.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis by searching PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase databases.

RESULTS

In total, 37 studies (1677 patients) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Pooled stricture resolutions were achieved in 83% of cases. Median stent dwelling time was 4.4 months, with median endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography sessions of 2.0. Stricture recurrence at 4-year follow up was 11% (95% CI, 8-14%). Pooled complication rate was 23% (95% CI, 20-26%).

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of CSEMS is effective in the treatment of benign biliary stricture with relatively short stenting duration and low long-term stricture recurrence rate. However, more prospectively randomized studies are required to confirm the results.