LIFETIME OF PLASTIC BILIARY STENTS IN CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS: 10-YEAR EXPERIENCE IN A SPECIALIZED CENTER

Abstract

Background: The use of biliary stents is intended to restore biliary drainage in patients where endoscopic removal of gallstones is difficult. The main disadvantage of plastic biliary stents is their propensity to occlude, migrate or allow the aggregation of bacterial biofilm, with the formation of choledocholithiasis or cholangitis. Objective: to evaluate the useful time of plastic biliary stents in choledocholithiasis. Patients and Method: a retrospective, descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2009 to December 2020, evaluating the useful life of plastic biliary stents and associated complications in patients with choledocholithiasis. Results: 174 patients were evaluated in the sample, predominantly female (68.97%), with 85.06% being carriers of 10fr * 10cm plastic stents. The majority merited removal of the stent 6 months after its placement (n = 118; 67.81%). The main complication reported was biliary stent obstruction in 39.66%. Conclusion: A replacement or removal of biliary stents is suggested “on demand” according to paraclinical changes suggestive of cholestasis, as well as signs and symptoms of dysfunction of the stent.