A fully covered self-expandable metal stent anchored by a 10-Fr double pigtail plastic stent: an effective anti-migration technique

BACKGROUND: Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) have been used successfully in the treatment of malignant and benign biliary strictures. However, stent migration is a major complication. We investigated the efficacy of anchoring FCSEMS with a 10-Fr double-pigtail plastic stent to prevent migration in patients with biliary strictures. METHODS: Between January 2012 and May 2013, 10 patients with malignant biliary strictures and one patient with a suprapapillary benign biliary stenosis were enrolled in the study. The primary endpoint of the study was to record the migration rate of FCSEMS. RESULTS: The placement of FCSEMSs and the anchoring with a 10-Fr double-pigtail plastic stent were successful in all patients. During a median follow-up period of eight months, proximal or distal migration of FCSEMS was not observed. No procedural complications related to the placement of FCSEMS and/or the anchoring plastic stent were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of an anchoring 10-Fr double-pigtail stent is a simple and effective anti-migration technique for FCSEMS in patients with malignant biliary strictures.