Extrabiliary applications of fully covered antimigration biliary metal stents

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic stent placement in luminal GI strictures is not always feasible with traditional stents. For example, standard luminal stent delivery catheters may not successfully traverse severe strictures, and enteral stents may not be suitable for sites in the GI tract that pose significant adverse events if downstream migration were to occur. We demonstrate extrabiliary applications of specialized, fully covered antimigration biliary metal stents. METHODS: This is a retrospective series of 4 patients with different benign and malignant luminal GI strictures who underwent placement of fully covered antimigration biliary metal stents in different configurations as a bridge or destination therapy. RESULTS: Luminal obstruction resolved without adverse events in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Although off label, extrabiliary use of these stents can successfully address scenarios of complex luminal pathology. To compensate for the small stent caliber, two stents may be placed side by side in a double-barrel configuration. Strict diet modifications are necessary when applying this therapeutic paradigm.