Fully covered metal biliary stents: A review of the literature

Figure 1 Various types of plastic and metal stents for endoscopic treatment. A: Plastic biliary stent (10 Fr with flaps); B: Uncovered metal biliary stent; C: Partially covered metal biliary stent; D: Fully covered self-expandable metal biliary stent; E: Fully covered self-expandable metal biliary stent with anti-migration fins (Images B-D courtesy of Boston Scientific Corporation, Boston, United States).

Figure 2 Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showing cholangiocarcinoma in mid and distal common bile duct compared to normal anatomy. A: Normal anatomy demomonstrating patent cystic, common bile, and intrahepatic ducts; B: Mid common bile duct biliary stricture with dilated common bile duct and intrahepatic ducts; C: Distal common bile duct biliary stricture with dilated common bile duct and intrahepaptic ducts; D: Fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) placement in the common bile duct; E: Endoscopic view of FCSEMS placed in the distal common bile duct.

Figure 3 Endoscopic treatment of biliary leak after donor liver transplantation. A: Extravasation of contrast at site of biliary leak; B: Resolution of biliary leak after placement of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent.