Comparison of approaches: multiple plastic versus single plastic biliary stenting

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of multiple plastic biliary stenting compared with single plastic stenting in patients with biliary tract obstruction. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted including 65 patients with malignant and benign biliary tract obstruction who were treated at the Central Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation between 2020 and 2023. Patients were allocated into two groups: multiple plastic stenting (n=49) and single plastic stenting (n=32). The incidence of complications, stent patency duration, and the need for and frequency of re-stenting were assessed. Results. Compared with single plastic stenting, multiple plastic stenting was associated with a lower overall complication rate (14% vs 65%, respectively) and a longer stent patency duration (4.2 months vs 2.6 months). The incidence of cholangitis was significantly lower in the multiple plastic stenting group (14% vs 47%). Conclusion. Multiple plastic biliary stenting is characterized by a lower incidence of cholangitis, longer stent patency, and consequently a reduced need for re-stenting. These findings indicate that multiple plastic stenting is a more effective and safer approach than single plastic stenting for the management of malignant and benign biliary tract obstruction.