Self-expandable metal stents effectively manages strictures in chronic pancreatitis: Study

China: The use of fully-covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) may help in the effective management of main pancreatic duct strictures (MPDS) caused by chronic pancreatitis (CP), suggests a recent study in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

MPDS in the setting of chronic pancreatitis (CP) occurs in up to 47% of patients, resulting in increased pressure within the pancreatic ductal system and stubborn pain. Although the strictures can be treated by endoscopic insertion of a single plastic stent (PS) and surgery. However, the use of the two methods is limited by various drawbacks including failure to obtain permanent MPDS dilation and the high rate of stricture recurrence.

FCSEMS have recently been used in CP patients with MPDS and are considered a promising alternative treatment.

Ting‐Ting Li, Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China, and colleagues investigated stricture resolution and recurrence rates of FCSEMS placement in patients with symptomatic CP complicated with MPDS.

The researchers searched the online databases up to December 2019 to identify eligible studies. A meta‐analysis of stricture resolution and recurrence rates was carried out using R. The crude rate of adverse events related to stent therapy was also calculated. A total of 10 studies involving 163 patients were included.