Safety and Efficacy of Absorbable Biliary Stents for Benign Bile Duct Strictures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the safety and clinical outcomes of novel biodegradable biliary stents (BDBS) in the treatment of benign biliary strictures (BBS).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A systematic literature search on BDBS placement for BBS was conducted in Medline. Studies reporting technical success, clinical success, and BBS recurrence rates were included. A meta-analysis of proportions was used to determine each of the outcomes.

RESULTS

Twelve studies involving 384 patients who underwent 387 BDBS placement for BBS were included. The weighted pooled proportion of technical success was 100% (95% CI 92-100%). After a mean follow-up of 23.3 months, the weight average clinical success was 81% (95% CI 76-85%) and stricture recurrence was 20% (95% CI 14-27%). The mean time to relapse was 11.8 months. Stent migration, complication, and readmission rate were 3% (95% CI 2-6%), 11% (95% CI 5-22%), and 2% (95% CI 0-100%), respectively. No mortality was reported.

CONCLUSION

BDBS placement is safe and effective treatment for BBS, with high technical and clinical success with acceptable complication and migration rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.