European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology
-
Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol · Dec 2007
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyDo the benefits of metal stents justify the costs? A systematic review and meta-analysis of trials comparing endoscopic stents for malignant biliary obstruction.
A variety of stent designs has been studied for endoscopic stenting of the bile duct in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. Although metal stents are associated with longer patency, their costs are significantly higher than plastic stents. ⋯ Endoscopic metal stents for malignant biliary obstruction are associated with significantly higher patency rates than plastic stents as early as 4 months after insertion. Metal stents will be cost-effective if the unit cost of additional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies per patient exceeds $1820.