Post written by Yoshihide Kanno, MD, from Sendai City Medical Center, Sendai, Japan.

This study focused on the outcomes of the suprapapillary placement of plastic versus metal stents for unresectable malignant hilar obstructions.

No randomized studies had evaluated the outcomes of suprapapillary plastic stents in comparison with metal stents. The removability of plastic stents is a significant advantage, enabling the complete exchange of stents.

In this Phase II randomized trial, the main outcomes—including the functioning periods of the stents—were similar for the 2 groups. Although there might have been a statistical error, the median patency period of 250 days for the plastic stent group was relatively long.

The choice between plastic and metal stents should be based on the patient’s condition, considering the patency and removability.

Graphical Abstract

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