Benign biliary strictures: utility of novel biodegradable biliary stents in surgically altered anatomy

Benign biliary strictures are traditionally managed by placement of either plastic stents or, more recently, fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FcSEMs) [1] [2]. Though effective, plastic stents need replacement every 2 – 3 months, whereas FcSEMs need removal in 6 – 9 months, both requiring repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Surgically altered anatomy makes ERCP challenging, and these patients require either a percutaneous approach or balloon-assisted endoscopy with specially designed biliary instruments.

An 80-year-old man presented with cholangitis. He had previously undergone gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy for gastric cancer. Imaging revealed common bile duct (CBD) stones and a distal CBD stricture ([Fig. 1]). As conventional ERCP was not possible, he underwent percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, radiological sphincteroplasty, and stone removal. However, he continued to have recurrent cholangitis when the external drain was clamped, thus requiring long-term external drainage. Following multidisciplinary team discussion, diagnostic percutaneous cholangioscopy followed by placement of biodegradable stents was planned.

Fig. 1 Distal common bile duct stricture (arrow).

An initial cholangiogram via the indwelling biliary drain revealed a focal distal CBD stricture ([Video 1]). The biliary drain was exchanged for an 8-Fr sheath, followed by the insertion of two 180 cm wires. The cholangioscope was passed over one of the wires to visualize the stricture, which looked benign. SpyBite (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA) biopsies were taken. Two 8-Fr biodegradable stents were then placed. The biopsies did not show any evidence of malignancy and liver biochemistry returned to normal. Magnetic resonance imaging after 6 months showed resolution of the stricture with some degraded stent particles. Another scan after 3 months revealed a clear duct ([Fig. 2]).

Video 1 Common bile duct stricture and placement of biodegradable stents.

Fig. 2 Resolved common bile duct stricture (arrow).

Biodegradable stents are a novel alternative to conventional stents in highly selected cases, and can be placed both endoscopically or percutaneously. They are made of polydioxanone and have been licensed for use in the esophagus and lower gastrointestinal tract [3] [4]. They degrade via hydrolysis with variable degradation times: slow (11 weeks), medium (20 days), and fast (12 days). They have a helicoidal shape to facilitate bile flow on the outer surface while supporting ductal flow. There have been no significant complications other than a few reported cases of cholangitis due to degraded stent particles.

This case demonstrates the importance of considering novel biodegradable stents in cases of biliary obstruction with altered surgical anatomy. Biodegradable stents offer the improved patency of metal stents, but obviate the need for repeat, complex interventions required to remove or exchange them.

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Publication History

Article published online:
01 October 2020

• References

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