Acute Pancreatitis After Percutaneous Metallic Stent Insertion for Malignant Biliary Obstruction: A Retrospective 2-Center Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The current study investigated the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of acute pancreatitis after percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting for malignant biliary obstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 2016 to May 2020, a total of 425 patients who underwent percutaneous transhepatic biliary stent- ing for malignant biliary obstruction were included in this 2-center study. After the procedure, we analyzed the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of acute pancreatitis.

RESULTS

On follow-up, 79 (18.6%) patients showed increased serum amylase levels, of whom 41 (9.6%) developed pancreatitis. On binary logistic regression analysis, stent across the duodenal papilla (odds ratio = 8.54; 95% CI = 3.54-20.62; P < .001) and visualization of the pancreatic duct (odds ratio = 9.87; 95% CI = 4.67-20.86; P < .001) were significant risk factors of pancreatitis after the procedure. Using conservative therapy, all patients were successfully managed at a mean of 3.5 days (range 1-6 days), and no severe pancreatitis happened.

CONCLUSION

Acute pancreatitis is a relatively common complication after percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting. Stent across the duodenal papilla and visualization of the pancreatic duct are independent risk factors.