Covered Versus Uncovered Biliary Stents for Biliary Malignancies

Covered Versus Uncovered Metal Stents for Biliary Malignancies - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Patency duration of covered metal stents as compared with uncovered metal stents in the management of malignant strictures of the extra-hepatic biliary tree.

Consecutive patients with malignant strictures of the extra-hepatic biliary tree considered unfit for surgical excision Placement of covered or uncovered metal stents in patients with and without gallbladder on the basis of a computer-generated randomization list Evaluation of clinical outcome, survival, complications, and quality of life. Evaluation of the cost and efficacy of the two types of metal stents.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients with symptomatic malignant obstruction of the extra-hepatic biliary tree
• not eligible for surgical intervention
• able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• benign biliary obstruction
• previous surgery of the biliary tract
• life expectancy < 3 months