Sa1429 SELF-EXPANDABLE METALLIC STENTS VS. POLYETHYLENE STENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF POST-ERCP PANCREATITIS (PEP)

Benign and malignant biliary obstructions are commonly treated with ERCP and placement of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) or polyethylene stents (PS). With an estimated incidence of up to 5-8% in therapeutic ERCP, pancreatitis is known to be the most common complication. Years ago, SEMS were almost exclusively utilized for malignant strictures, but they are now routinely used in benign lesions as well. Studies have suggested a higher risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) with SEMS, however they have been relatively small and exclusively focused on malignant obstructions. Our goal was to compare PEP rates in patients who underwent ERCP for malignant and benign strictures with placement of SEMS or PS.