Background and study aims: Duodenal obstruction may prevent performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
(ERCP). Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or Endoscopic ultrasonograhy-guided
biliary access (EUS-BD) are alternative treatments but are associated with a higher
morbidity and mortality rate. The aim of the study is to report overall technical
success rate and clinical outcome with deployment of temporary fully or partially
covered self-expanding duodenal stent (pc/fcSEMS) as a bridge to ERCP in case of inaccessible
papilla due to duodenal strictures.
Patients and methods: This retrospective study included 66 consecutive patients presenting with a duodenal
stricture impeding the ability to perform an ERCP. Provisional duodenal stenting was
performed as a bridge to ERCP. A second endoscopic session was performed to remove
the provisional stent and to perform an ERCP. Afterward, a permanent duodenal stent
was delivered if necessary.
Results: Sixty-six duodenal stents (17 pcSEMS and 49 fcSEMS) were delivered with a median
indwelling time of 3.15 (1 – 7) days. Two migrations occurred in the pcSEMS group,
1 of which required lower endoscopy for retrieval. No other procedure-related complications
were observed. At second endoscopy a successful ERCP was performed in 56 patients
(85 %); 10 patients (15 %) with endoscopic failure underwent PTBD or EUS-BD. Forty
patients needed permanent duodenal stenting.
Conclusions: Provisional removable covered duodenal stenting as a bridge to ERCP for duodenal
obstruction is safe procedure and in most cases allows successful performance of therapeutic
ERCP. This technique could be a sound option as a step up approach before referring
such cases for more complex techniques such as EUS-BD or PTBD.