Medium-term results of endoscopic treatment of common bile duct strictures in chronic calcifying XXXX with increasing numbers of stents.

@entity1 @entity788 @entity1157 @entity326
OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate our medium-term results on common bile duct stenting with increasing numbers of stents on strictures due to chronic calcifying @entity788 . BACKGROUND: Common bile duct strictures frequently complicate the course of chronic calcifying @entity788 . The effectiveness of endoscopic stenting to resolve definitely these strictures is still debated. STUDY: Twenty-nine @entity1 with common bile duct stricture due to chronic calcifying @entity788 were stented and followed up. Biliary sphincterotomy, dilation of the stricture, and insertion of plastic biliary stents (7.5-10 F) were performed. @entity1 were scheduled for elective stent changing/restenting at 3-month intervals or any time when it was urgently indicated. Our basic intention was to insert the maximum possible number of stents to reach as large diameter as the stricture allowed. All stents were removed after the disappearance of @entity1157 or left in place in cases of persisting strictures. RESULTS: Eighteen @entity1 (60%) had complete radiologic and serologic recovery after a mean of 21.1 months overall stenting time and had a stent free follow-up period for a mean of 12.1 months without recurrence of stricture. Five @entity1 (16%) still have stents in place after 26 months. Three @entity1 (13%) required surgery. There were 3 deaths (10%): 1 for unrelated cause and 2 with @entity326 of biliary origin. CONCLUSIONS: Most chronic calcifying @entity788 @entity1 with common bile duct strictures respond to the increasing numbers of endoscopic stents, and remain stent free for medium term periods. Less @entity1 (30%) does not benefit of biliary stenting, who are candidates for surgery.
