Efficacy of a modified short fully covered self‐expandable metal stent for perihilar benign biliary strictures

Background and Aim Endoscopic management of a benign biliary stricture (BBS) on the hilum is complicated and challenging. Although the placement of a fully covered self‐expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) is possible to increase effectiveness, stent migration and stent‐induced adverse events are problematic. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a modified short FCSEMS with a long lasso in patients with a difficult perihilar BBS. Methods Patients with perihilar BBS within 2 cm from the hilar confluence that failed initially with plastic stents were enrolled. A modified short FCSEMS was deployed and then removed 5–6 months later. The primary outcome was clinical success. Other technical success, adverse events, endoscopic success of stent removal, and recurrence of stricture during the follow‐up period were measured. Results Endoscopic intraductal placement was technically successful in all patients (n = 19). Combined contralateral plastic stent placement was performed in 13 patients (68.4%). The median duration of stent placement was 163 days (range, 138–196 days). Endoscopic stent removal was successful in all patients except one spontaneous distal migration. Stricture resolution without de novo focal stricture occurrence was 100%. Endoscopic stone removal after stricture improvement was successful in all 13 patients with bile duct stones above the stricture. During a follow‐up period (median 635 days) after stent removal, only one recurrence developed. Conclusions Temporary placement of a modified intraductal short FCSEMS with or without a contralateral plastic stent improved perihilar BBS in patients that primarily failed by plastic stents. Combined biliary stones were also successfully removed after stricture resolution.