Abstract
Self-expanding metal stents provide a much larger diameter - up to 30 Fr - in comparison
with plastic stents, which have a maximum diameter of 12 Fr. Although they have consequently
been found to be far superior to plastic prostheses, they are not removable, and in
benign strictures metal stents should therefore be used only in exceptional situations.
Metal stents are the preferred mode of treatment for malignant strictures, provided
the patient has a sufficient life expectancy - although this is hard to predict in
individual cases. Metal stents also seem to be superior in hilar malignancy, but the
data here are limited. Future developments may include the use of covered metal stents
and self-expanding stents (made of plastic or other materials) that are removable
or self-dissolving.
