Bergen et al: Clinical use of uncovered balloon‐expandable metallic biliary stents for treatment of extrahepatic biliary tract obstructions in cats and dogs: 11 cases (2012–2022)
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

• Subjects: 11 animals (8 dogs, 3 cats)
• Technique: Uncovered balloon-expandable metallic biliary stents (BEMBS)
• Indications: Cholelithiasis, strictures, neoplasia, cholangiohepatitis, etc.
• Success: Patency achieved in all animals surviving to discharge
• Complications:
  • Short-term mortality: 2/11 (1 euthanized for SIRS, 1 unknown)
  • Long-term issues: cholangiohepatitis, choledocholithiasis, stent occlusion (in cats only)
• Long-term patency:
  • Dogs: median 650.5 days
  • Cats: median 446 days
• Stent removal possible even after >600 days in some cats
• Clinical outcome: Viable alternative to plastic stents or cholecystoenterostomy