BACKGROUND: Standard methods for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) management of anastomotic strictures (AS) after OLT includes repeated balloon dilation of the stricture with subsequent insertion of a plastic biliary stent (PBS). In post-OLT patients not responding to standard endoscopic treatment, the placement of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) is a valid alternative to surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the results of new FCSEMS implantation with the standard ERCP stricture management protocol and with conventional FCSEMS insertion.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study involved 39 post-OLT patients with confirmed diagnosis of biliary AS. Enrolled subjects were divided into 2 groups: the FCSEMS group (study group) and the PBS group (control group). The study group was divided into 2 subgroups: the conventional FCSEMS group and the new-type FCSEMS group.

RESULTS: Stricture recurrence after PBS placement was observed in 36.36% of controls and in only 9.52% of study group members (P=0.170). Recurrence rates in patients after conventional FCSEMS and new type FCSEMS implantation was similar (10% vs. 9.09%; P=0.501). The applied treatment was successful in 82.61% of study group members and only 43.75% of controls (P=0.029). Success rates of conventional FCSEMS and new-type SEMS insertion did not differ significantly (81.82% vs. 83.33%, P=0.649). There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates between groups (P=0.879).

CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of FCSEMS is more effective than repeated balloon dilatation of AS with subsequent PBS placement and is they have similar complication rates. Application of new-type FCSEMS gives results comparable to conventional FCSEMS.

Keywords: Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde, Cholestasis, Liver Transplantation