Long-term indwelling stents reduce recurrence in pancreatic fluid collections post-drainage

When comparing long-term indwelling plastic stents (LTIS) to standard stent removal (SSR) after resolving pancreatic fluid collections (PFC) with endoscopic transmural drainage (ETD), LTIS showed significantly lower recurrence rates (3% vs. 23%). LTIS also decreased the need for further interventions. This meta-analysis of 16 studies and 1285 patients indicates that LTIS is safer and more effective in reducing PFC recurrence post-ETD compared to SSR.