Argon plasma endoscopic section of biliary metallic prostheses.

We report our recent experience of using argon plasma to endoscopically cut biliary Wallstent prostheses in these patients. The first patient had a bleeding duodenal ulceration caused by the impaction of the prosthesis meshes whereas the second patient had an ill-positioned biliary stent with impaction into the opposite duodenal wall. Both prostheses were shortened using argon plasma. In the third patient, the lower extremity of a obstructed biliary Wallstent was positioned in the third duodenum preventing its endoscopic catheterization. After shortening using argon plasma, a new plastic stent could be inserted to allow drainage. The outcomes in these cases demonstrate the feasibility of endoscopically shortening metallic Wallstents after release using argon plasma.