Preliminary report on a new, fully covered, metal stent designed for the treatment of pancreatic fluid collections

BackgroundEndoscopic transluminal treatment of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC) has been reported as an effective alternative approach to surgical treatment. A wide, short stent with an anti-migration system has been developed.ObjectiveTo evaluate a newly developed, fully covered, self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) customized for cystogastrostomy.DesignRetrospective case series.SettingTertiary-care academic medical centers and affiliated hospitals.PatientsNine patients who underwent endoscopic treatment of PFCs (5 with pseudocysts and 4 with walled-off pancreatic necrosis).InterventionStent deployment after endoscopic US-guided puncture. Irrigation and necrosectomy were performed at the discretion of the endoscopist.Main Outcome MeasurementsTechnical and clinical success rate, complications, and removability.ResultsThe FCSEMS was inserted successfully in all cases (9/9, 100%). Clinical success was achieved in 7 of 9 cases (77.8%). No early complications associated with the procedure were observed. Late complications were observed in 2 cases (bleeding and asymptomatic migration). The FCSEMS was removed without any complications in all 6 cases where it was attempted after the procedure had been completed (100%).LimitationsThis was a retrospective evaluation of a small number of cases. The FCSEMS was always inserted via the transgastric route. Follow-up duration was short.ConclusionThe endoscopic approach that uses this new FCSEMS is feasible for the treatment of PFCs. However, further evaluation is required.