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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 7, 2027; 33(1): 124775
Published online Jan 7, 2027. doi: 10.3748/wjg.124775
Published online Jan 7, 2027. doi: 10.3748/wjg.124775
Preventive role of biodegradable pancreatobiliary stents
Sayed Tauseef Ahamd Jan, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
Abdullah Abbasi, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
Shyam Menon, Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, New Cross Hospital, Birmingham B9 5SS, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Jan STA and Abbasi A designed the review and drafted the manuscript, performed the literature search and evidence appraisal; Abbasi A and Menon S provided critical revision of the manuscript and supervised the work; all authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
AI contribution statement: AI tools were used solely for language polishing and formatting assistance during manuscript preparation. No AI tool was used to generate research data, interpret results, or formulate conclusions. All AI-assisted content was critically reviewed and revised by the authors, who take full responsibility for the accuracy, originality and integrity of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflict of interest in publishing the manuscript.
Corresponding author: Abdullah Abbasi, MD, Assistant Professor, MRCP, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa Health Care, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States. abdullah-abbasi@uiowa.edu
Received: June 24, 2026
Revised: July 20, 2026
Accepted: July 31, 2026
Published online: January 7, 2027
Processing time: 138 Days and 15.5 Hours
Revised: July 20, 2026
Accepted: July 31, 2026
Published online: January 7, 2027
Processing time: 138 Days and 15.5 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Biodegradable pancreatobiliary stents dissolve in situ, delivering temporary ductal support without the follow-up imaging or repeat endoscopy that conventional plastic stents demand. Across four indications, the evidence is strongest for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis and for benign bile leaks, where high technical success, low complication rates and cost-effectiveness across multiple health systems support adoption. For postoperative pancreatic fistula, use should remain within trials of high-risk patients; for primary sclerosing cholangitis, current evidence does not justify routine use. With regulatory clearance now granted, definitive randomized trials are the priority.