self-expandable metal stents for palliation of malignant biliary strictures

The ComVi biliary stent (Taewoong Medical Inc., Seoul, Korea), is a covered metallic stent with a expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membrane sandwiched between two wire layers and has a weaker axial force than other stents.

Patients with middle-distal malignant biliary stricture and with symptoms as jaundice, itching and pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with malignant stenosis at the middle or lower third of the common bile duct inoperable and/or unresectable.
• Patients without liver metastases and 6 months life expectancy
• Patients at the first attempt of endoscopic biliary drainage.
• Negative history for biliary tract surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with ampullary cancer.
• Patients with hilar and/or intra-hepatic ducts malignancy.
• Patients with haemobilia.
• Patients with acute cholangitis at the time of stenting.
• Patients with previous percutaneous, endoscopic or surgical biliary drainage.