Similar performance but higher cholecystitis rate with covered biliary stents: results from a prospective multicenter evaluation

Abstract

Covered biliary metal stents are effective for the drainage of distal malignant biliary obstruction, with a dysfunction rate apparently similar to that of uncovered stents. However, the risk of acute cholecystitis appears to be a major concern with this type of stent in patients with gallbladder in situ. Further comparative studies are needed.