MANAGEMENT OF PANCREATIC DUCTAL STENOSIS IN CHRONIC PANCREATITIS WITH ENDOSCOPIC PLACEMENT OF A METAL STENT : REPORT OF THREE CASES

Abstract

Metal stents were used to treat pancreatic ductal stenosis in 3 symptomatic patients with chronic pancreatitis. Insertion and placement of Strecker metal stents was followed by sustained clinical improvement in 2 patients during a follow-up periods of 6 and 14 months, respectively. In the remaining case, abdominal pain recurred due to stent obstruction 5 months after the insertion. However, the symptoms rapidly disappeared after reexpansion of the stent. Metal stent for the placement in the treatment of pancreatic ductal stenosis in cases of chronic pancreatitis can thus be considered as an alternative to plastic stent for obtaining more long-term pain relief.