The anti‐migration effect of partially covered self‐expandable metal stents for unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction: A multicenter comparative study

Abstract Objectives Covered self‐expandable metal stents are commonly used for unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction. Partially covered self‐expandable metal stents have uncovered sections at both ends; however, their anti‐migration effect remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate that effect by comparing such stents with fully covered self‐expandable metal stents for patients with unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction. Methods This was a multicenter, retrospective comparative study of partially covered stents with fully covered stents for unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction. Stent migration, recurrent biliary obstruction, and the time to recurrent biliary obstruction were compared between them. Results Thirty‐nine patients with partially covered stents were included and compared with 42 patients with fully covered stents. The partially covered group had a significantly lower stent migration rate (3% vs. 36%; p < 0.001). The recurrent biliary obstruction rate was significantly lower in the partially covered group (21% vs. 43%; p = 0.036). The non‐recurrent biliary obstruction rate at 6 months was 90% and 68% in the partially and fully covered groups, respectively. The time to recurrent biliary obstruction was significantly longer in the partially covered group (Gray's test, p = 0.016). Only partially covered stent placement was significantly associated with a lower risk of stent migration (subdistribution hazard ratio = 0.077; 95% confidence interval = 0.01–0.60; p = 0.014) in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions The anti‐migration effect of partially covered self‐expandable metal stents was associated with a reduced recurrence of biliary obstruction and prolonged time to such obstruction.