Short-term metal stenting for treatment of main pancreatic duct strictures associated with chronic pancreatitis

Background: Stricture of the main pancreatic duct associated with chronic pancreatitis is a cause of pain due to ductal high pressure and the formation of pancreatic stones, but there is no established non-surgical therapeutic procedure. We attemped a new method for treating this condition, called short-term metal stenting. Methods: In three patients who had experienced recurrent stones and pancreatitis attacks several times after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, a self-expandable metal stent was placed into the pancreatic duct for 2-7 days. Results: Dilatation was successful in all cases. Over observation periods of 18-25 months (mean, 22 months) following stent withdrawal, no recurrence of stones or attacks of pancreatitis was observed. Conclusion: Short-term metal stenting is an effective procedure for dilating stricture of the main pancreatic duct. It is also promising as a method for preventing recurrence of stones or episodes of pancreatitis.