For malignant biliary obstruction, plastic stents may be cost-effective alternative

(American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) with stent placement has been commonly used for patients with malignant biliary obstruction. In PBD, the placement of fully covered self-expandable metal stents may provide better patency duration and a lower incidence of cholangitis compared with plastic stents. But a new study in the November issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy suggests that plastic stents may provide similar outcomes at a potential cost savings.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news