LARGEST US EXPERIENCE WITH PARTIALLY COVERED SELF EXPANDABLE METAL STENTS (SEMS) FOR MALIGNANT BILIARY OBSTRUCTION: SIZE DOES NOT MATTER

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) can be used for treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. Previously published literature has either reported on limited numbers of partially covered SEMS (PCSEMS) or groups their outcomes with fully covered SEMS (FCSEMS) in comparison to uncovered SEMS (UCSEMS). There is limited data focusing on outcomes and adverse events related specifically to PCSEMS. Furthermore, there is currently no consensus data on the optimum SEMS diameter to use. Our study aims to examine the clinical success, patency, and complications with regard to stent coating and stent diameter.