Safety and efficacy of biliary suprapapillary metal and plastic stents in malignant biliary obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims: Biliary drainage is vital in managing malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). Suprapapillary stenting has emerged as a viable alternative to transpapillary stenting and is performed using inside plastic (iPS) or metal stents (iMS). This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the outcomes of suprapapillary stent placement for MBO.

Methods: The Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched to include all studies published before September 31, 2023, that reported on the outcomes of suprapapillary stents placed for MBO. Using the random-effect model, the pooled, weight-adjusted event rate estimate for the clinical outcomes was calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Twenty-eight studies were included, with a total of 1401 patients. The pooled clinical success rate was 98.9%. A subgroup analysis yielded non-significant differences between the iPS and iMS groups (99.3% vs. 98.6%, respectively; P = 0.44). The pooled incidence rate of adverse events (AE) with suprapapillary stents was 9.5%. In a subgroup analysis, the incidence of AEs with iPS was 10.7% compared to 9% in the iMS group without a statistical difference (P = 0.32). The most common adverse event was cholangitis (2.2%), followed by pancreatitis (1.1%), cholecystitis (0.5%), and bleeding (0.12%).

Conclusion: When technically feasible, suprapapillary stenting for MBO is a viable endoscopic option with a high clinical success rate and acceptable adverse event rates. Both iPS and iMS exhibit similar efficacy.