A new balloon-expandable tantalum stent (Strecker-Stent) for the biliary system: preliminary experience.

Placement of a balloon-expandable metallic stent (Strecker-Stent) for biliary drainage has been attempted in 30 patients. The stent was successfully implanted in 22 patients; in the remaining 8 patients, dilatation of the biliary stricture prior to stent placement was inadequate and delivery of the Strecker-Stent was, therefore, not possible. Insufficient balloon dilatation was related to the rigid nature of the stricture and to pain experienced during dilatation. During 2-9 months follow-up, 3 of 21 patients (14%) presented with reocclusion of the stented bile ducts. In all other patients, biliary drainage remains adequate. No major complications related to stent placement were observed.