Su1385 A Blinded Comparison of Stent Associated Changes in Polyethylene and Sof-Flex® Material Pancreatic Duct Stents in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis

Polyethylene stents (PES) have been used to treat pancreatic duct (PD) strictures to improve painful chronic pancreatitis. However, stent-associated changes (SAC) may develop in up to 80% of patients that include main duct narrowing, irregularity, and side-branch ectasia (GIE 1996;44(3)268-75). We have also used a multi-perforated PD stent wihout internal flanges consisting of a softer material since 2004. Whether the use of SFS has fewer SAC compared to PES has not previously been investigated. The aim of our study was to determine if SAC is seen more frequently with PES vs. SFS stents.