Abstract

Background
/Aims: The problem with endoscopic management for benign biliary stricture is the occurrence of restenosis after removal of biliary stents. However the factors that influence the rate of restenosis have not yet been identified. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that affect patency of the bile duct after removal of an endoscopic stent for management of benign biliary stricture. Methods: The medical records and potential factors that influence biliary restenosis were analyzed in 19 patients with benign biliary stricture. Results: At the time of stent removal, successful stricture resolution was noted in 13 out of 19 patients. Among these 13 patients, good biliary patency, without restenosis, was observed in 10 patients during a mean follow-up of 24 months. The time interval, from biliary surgery to stricture, tended to be shorter in the group with good results compared to the group with poor results (6.2±3.3 months vs. 80.2±139.3 months respectively: p=0.07). Other factors did not affect the rate of restenosis after removal of the stent. Conclusions: The time interval, from biliary surgery to stricture, tends to influence restenosis after endoscopic management for benign biliary stricture. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2006;32:21⁣26)

• Keywords: Benign biliary stricture, Stent, Endoscopic biliary drainage