Covered versus uncovered self-expandable metal stent for palliation of primary malignant extrahepatic biliary strictures: a randomized multicenter study

The number of stent-related adverse events was higher, although not significantly, among patients in the FCSEMS group. FCSEMSs had a significantly higher rate of migration than USEMSs, and stent occlusion occurred earlier. A significant difference in the patency rate was observed in favor of the USEMS group. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02102984.)