Effectiveness and safety of biliary stenting in the management of difficult common bile duct stones in elderly patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS To investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic biliary stenting for difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Elderly patients (≥65 years) with large (≥20 mm) or multiple (≥3) CBD stones were studied. The patients underwent placement of single (n=34, group A) or double (n=30, group B) plastic stents at the time of initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Approximately 3 months later, stone removal was attempted at the second ERCP. The reduction of stone size and number before and after biliary stenting, complete stone removal, 3-month stent patency rate, and complications were compared. RESULTS The mean size (longitudinal/transverse diameter) of the CBD stones was significantly reduced after biliary stenting in both groups (p