Complications of biliary stents in obstructive pancreatic malignancies

Abstract

Biliary stents have become a common palliative measure in the treatment of unresectable obstructive pancreatic cancer. Survival after endoscopic stenting rivals that of surgical bypass. Complications involving stents are not uncommon and can be categorized as related to placement, obstruction, migration, or fracture. A case report and review of stent-related morbidity is presented. Overall complication rates range from 15 to 34%, often requiring stent replacement and occasionally requiring surgical intervention.