Prospective evaluation of a new biflanged metal stent for the treatment of pancreatic fluid collections (with videos).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: EUS-guided transluminal drainage (EUS-TD) and sequential direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) for pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) by using a dedicated biflanged metal stent (BFMS) has been reported as a useful alternative to using plastic stents or a conventional metal stent. However, current dedicated BFMSs have limitations. Recently, a new BFMS with solidly constructed biflanges and various stent lengths matched to the PFC condition has been developed. Herein, we prospectively evaluated this new BFMS for the treatment of PFCs.

METHODS: From July 2015 to July 2016, EUS-TD by using the new BFMS was performed in 12 patients for PFCs (4 patients with pancreatic pseudocysts, 8 patients with walled-off necrosis). When clinical resolution could not be achieved, DEN was performed the following day.

RESULTS: The stent was deployed successfully with a median procedure time of 16 minutes (range 11-24 minutes) and with no procedure-related adverse events in any patients (12/12, 100%). DEN via the stent was achieved in all patients in whom they were attempted (4/4,100%). Spontaneous stent migration or stent dislocation during DEN was not observed in any patients. Two WON patients died from spontaneous pseudoaneurysm rupture and multiple organ failure. The PFCs in the other 10 patients completely resolved, and later the stent was removed with no difficulty in 9 patients after a median time of 48 days (range 30-180 days).

CONCLUSIONS: The new BFMS is technically feasible and safe for the treatment of PFCs. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000021347.).