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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jul 16, 2013; 5(7): 356-358
Published online Jul 16, 2013. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v5.i7.356
Published online Jul 16, 2013. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v5.i7.356
Oldest biliary endoprosthesis in situ
Pierluigi Consolo, Giuseppe Scalisi, Stefano F Crinò, Andrea Tortora, Giuseppa Giacobbe, Marcello Cintolo, Luigi Familiari, Socrate Pallio, Digestive Endoscopy Unit, University Hospital, 98100 Messina, Italy
Author contributions: Familiari L and Consolo P performed the ERCP; Pallio S, Scalisi G, Cintolo M, Tortora A and Giacobbe G managed the patient during and after hospitalisation; Crinò SF performed the US; Crinò SF and Scalisi G wrote the paper and revised the English in the paper.
Correspondence to: Giuseppe Scalisi, MD, Digestive Endoscopy Unit, University Hospital, via consolare Valeria 1, 98100 Messina, Italy. scalisi.giuseppe@alice.it
Telephone: +39-3-404964717 Fax: +39-3-902212312
Received: March 9, 2013
Revised: June 11, 2013
Accepted: June 18, 2013
Published online: July 16, 2013
Revised: June 11, 2013
Accepted: June 18, 2013
Published online: July 16, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Endoscopic extraction of biliary tract stones is safe and effective. When the procedure is not successful the placement of a plastic biliary endoprosthesis can be a solution. To date no consensus has been reached regarding how long the biliary prosthesis should remain in situ. This case report represents the oldest in situ plastic biliary endoprosthesis ever reported in the literature. Despite the fact that endoprostheses will inevitably occlude after 3 to 5 mo in situ, they may still prevent impaction of stones in the distal part of the common bile duct and ensure free flow of bile even if the endoprostheses are obstructed, calcified and have a bilious coat.