Fully Covered Metal Stents Top Choice for Preoperative Biliary Drainage

In a comprehensive analysis of over 26,000 patients, fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) emerged as the safest preoperative biliary drainage method, boasting fewer adverse events than plastic stents. However, they showed a higher incidence of pancreatitis. Plastic stents are linked to more complications, while internal stents are optimal for perihilar obstructions. ERCP remains the preferred technique, but percutaneous options are also viable alternatives.