Expandable metal stents in chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Biliary obstruction in chronic pancreatitis may be relieved by the insertion of a biliary endoprosthesis. Stenting is usually achieved with a plastic device, but self-expandable metal stents may also be used. CASE OUTLINES: Two patients are described with severe chronic pancreatitis complicated by biliary obstruction and portal vein thrombosis, who underwent insertion of metallic biliary endoprostheses. In both patients the endoprostheses became occluded, at 12 and 7 months respectively, which necessitated open operation. Both patients experienced surgical complications and one patient died postoperatively. DISCUSSION: The use of metal endoprostheses in chronic pancreatitis may result in occlusion, necessitating open operation. Such stents should be used with caution in these patients, who are likely to be high-risk surgical candidates.