Endoscopy 2001; 33(8): 645-650
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-16214
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Diamond Stents for Palliation of Malignant Bile Duct Obstruction: A Prospective Multicenter Evaluation

A. Ferlitsch 1 , C. Oesterreicher 1 , J. M. Dumonceau 2 , J. Deviere 2 , T. Leban 3 , P. Born 3 , T. Rösch 3 , W. Suter 4 , J. Binek 4 , C. Meyenberger 4 , M. Müllner 5 , B. Schneider 6 , R. Schöfl 1
  • 1 Dept. of Internal Medicine IV, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • 2 Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatopancreatology, Erasme University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • 3 Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Department of Internal Medicine II, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
  • 4 Dept. of Gastroenterology, Kantonshospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
  • 5 Dept. of Emergency Medicine, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • 6 Dept. of Medical Statistics, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

Background and Study Aims: Various types of self-expandable metal stents have been introduced for biliary drainage in patients with malignant jaundice, showing prolonged patency compared with plastic endoprostheses. However, there has only been prolonged experience with a meaningful number of patients using the Wallstent. We evaluated the Diamond stent, a self-expanding uncoated biliary metal stent, in a prospective uncontrolled multicenter setting.

Patients and Methods: The eligibility criterion was obstructive jaundice due to inoperable malignant disease. Between August 1995 and January 2000, 126 patients, who received a total of 134 Diamond stents in four European centers, were followed prospectively.

Results: Technical and clinical success rates were 96 % and 98 %, respectively. No major procedure-related complications occurred. The 30-day mortality rate was 13 %. Stent occlusion occurred in 28 patients (22 %). Overall median stent patency was 477 days; overall median survival was 173 days. Stent occlusion, confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, was successfully treated with plastic stents in all patients. Cost analysis revealed estimated costs of €3440 per patient for palliative treatment with the Diamond stent.

Conclusions: The Diamond stent compares favorably with other biliary metal stents for patients requiring biliary drainage of malignant jaundice.

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A. Ferlitsch,M.D. 

Department of Internal Medicine IV
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
University of Vienna

Waehringer Guertel 18 - 20
1090 Vienna
Austria


Fax: + 43-1-404004735

Email: arnulf.ferlitsch@akh-wien.ac.at