Double Versus Single Plastic Stents for Non-Retrievable Biliary Stones in Cirrhotic Patients

Background and Rationale: The primary treatment for choledocholithiasis is Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy. However, complete stone clearance fails in 10-15% of cases involving complex choledochal stones (e.g., larger than 15 mm and/or more than 3 stones), often necessitating recurrent ERCP procedures. This challenge is compounded in high-risk patients, such as the elderly or those with substantial comorbidities, who cannot tolerate prolonged procedures. Failure to extract stones can also be attributed to anatomical factors like complex stones, periampullary diverticula, or ductal anomalies. While alternative methods like ESWL or lithotripsy exist, they are not universally available. Temporary plastic biliary stent placement is a safe and effective alternative, providing biliary drainage and acting as a bridge to subsequent stone removal. Short-term stenting can reduce stone size and improve the success rate of later extraction.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the role and efficiency of different types or different numbers of plastic stent application in the treatment of non-retrievable large biliary stones in liver cirrhosis.

Study Design and Setting: This is a prospective, single-center, interventional study conducted at the National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt, between January 2022 and January 2025. The study was authorized by the Institutional Ethics Committee (Approval No.: 00787/2025). A total of 400 cirrhotic patients with calculous biliary obstruction were included. Study Population and Eligibility: Participants were adults with established liver cirrhosis classified as high-risk due to moderate to severe liver disease and/or substantial comorbidities, who could not safely tolerate extended endoscopic or surgical intervention. They all presented with large or complex Common Bile Duct (CBD) stones that could not be removed during the initial ERCP. All enrolled subjects were clinically stable and provided signed informed consent. Exclusion criteria included non-cirrhotic patients, non-calculous causes of biliary obstruction (e.g., portal biliopathy, malignant obstruction), acute suppurative cholangitis, ERCP contraindications, or inability to complete the scheduled 12-month follow-up.

Interventions and Study Groups: Enrolled individuals were allocated into four parallel groups based on the type and size of the plastic biliary stent used during ERCP: Group 1 (Single plastic stent, 10 cm × 10 Fr), Group 2 (Double plastic stents, each 10 cm × 10 Fr), Group 3 (Single plastic stent, 10 cm × 11.5 Fr), and Group 4 (Single pigtail stent, 10 cm × 10 Fr). ERCP Procedure: All ERCPs were performed by expert hepatobiliary endoscopists under general anesthesia using a standard side-viewing duodenoscope. Following selective CBD cannulation, stone extraction was attempted. When complete clearance was not achievable, the appropriate plastic stent(s) were placed over a guidewire, with or without a previous sphincterotomy. Prolonged procedures, advanced lithotripsy techniques, and chemical stone dissolution were deliberately avoided due to the high-risk nature of the study population. Data Collection and Follow-up: Thorough clinical and demographic data were systematically documented. Baseline laboratory investigations included renal function tests, CBC, CRP, pancreatic enzymes, and a full liver biochemical profile. Imaging (ultrasonography and MRCP) was used to characterize stone size, number, and biliary anatomy. Patients were observed for a minimum of 24 hours post-procedure. Follow-up assessments were scheduled at 1 month and subsequently at 3-6 month intervals or on demand. The total monitoring period was 12 months, with the final assessment completed by January 2026. Follow-up involved clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and abdominal radiographs to assess biliary drainage and stent patency. Patients with signs of stent malfunction underwent repeat ERCP.

Outcome Measures: The main outcomes were stent patency and successful stone clearance at the second ERCP. Secondary objectives included reduction in stone size, all-cause mortality throughout the follow-up period, and procedure-related complications (stent migration, cholangitis, post-ERCP pancreatitis, and hemorrhage).