Modified fully covered self-expandable metal stents with antimigration features for benign pancreatic-duct strictures in advanced chronic pancreatitis, with a focus on the safety profile and reducing migration

Background Fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) placement has recently been tried in the management of refractory pancreatic-duct strictures associated with advanced chronic pancreatitis. The major limitation of FCSEMSs was frequent migration. Objective To assess the safety, migration rate, and removability of modified FCSEMSs with antimigration features used for the treatment of benign pancreatic-duct strictures. Design Prospective study. Setting Tertiary academic center. Patients Thirty-two patients with chronic painful pancreatitis and dominant ductal stricture. Interventions Transpapillary endoscopic placement of FCSEMSs in the pancreatic duct with removal after 3 months. Main Outcome Measurements Technical and functional success and adverse events associated with the placement of metal stents. Results FCSEMSs were successfully placed in all patients through the major (n = 27) or minor (n = 5) duodenal papilla. All patients achieved pain relief from stent placement. There was no occurrence of stent-induced pancreatitis or pancreatic sepsis. No stent migrated, and all stents were easily removed. Follow-up ERCP 3 months after stent placement showed resolution of duct strictures in all patients. Pancreatograms obtained at FCSEMS removal displayed de novo focal pancreatic duct strictures in 5 patients, but all were asymptomatic. Limitations No long-term follow-up. Conclusions Temporary 3-month placement of FCSEMSs was effective in resolving pancreatic-duct strictures in chronic pancreatitis, with an acceptable morbidity profile. Modified FCSEMSs can prevent stent migration, but may be associated with de novo duct strictures. Further trials are needed to assess long-term safety and efficacy.