Background/purpose: Whether unilateral or bilateral drainage should be performed for malignant hilar biliary obstruction is controversial. Moreover, endoscopic placement of bilateral metallic stents is difficult and complicated.
Methods: New metallic stents, such as the Niti-S Y-type stent (Y-stent), BONASTENT M-Hilar, and Niti-S large cell D-type stent (LCD), have recently been developed for bilateral stent-in-stent procedures to facilitate contralateral stent deployment through the interstices of the first metallic stent. We review the features and efficacy of these metallic stents designed for bilateral drainage in patients with hilar biliary obstruction.
Results: The newly designed stents examined exhibited high technical success rates, low stent-related complications, and good stent patency. Endoscopic reinterventions for occluded stents could be performed easily, particularly in patients with bilateral LCD placement.
Conclusion: Endoscopic bilateral stenting using newly designed metallic stents is feasible, safe, and effective in patients with unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction.