Development of irreversible pancreatic ductal change triggered by pancreatic duct stenting in chronic pancreatitis

Abstract Background and Aim Stent‐induced ductal change is a complication of endoscopic pancreatic stent placement for chronic pancreatitis, potentially leading to irreversible changes that may contribute to pancreatic dysfunction. This study aimed to examine the long‐term outcomes of stent‐induced ductal change and evaluate factors that correlate with the development of irreversible ductal changes. Methods Between January 2008 and December 2022, 52/223 patients with chronic pancreatitis in whom an S‐type plastic stent was successfully placed from the main papilla for duct stricture were detected with stent‐induced ductal change on pancreatography at stent removal. We retrospectively investigated the clinical features of patients whose main pancreatic duct was reassessed by endoscopic pancreatography after >1 month without stent and whose residual stent‐induced ductal change was irreversible. Results The patients with chronic pancreatitis with stent‐induced ductal change ( n = 28) (elevated change, 15; stricture change, 13) were evaluated using follow‐up pancreatography. Eleven patients (39.3%) showed residual change associated with stent‐induced ductal change, the degree of which was partial improvement, no change, and obstructive change in one, seven, and three patients, respectively. Stricture changes during stent removal and duration of stent placement that triggered ductal changes were significantly associated with the development of residual ductal changes. Conclusions Irreversible stent‐induced ductal change in patients with chronic pancreatitis was associated with stricture changes in the main pancreatic duct and continued plastic‐stent placement. Careful evaluation of the pancreatic duct is required during plastic‐stent placement. Early plastic‐stent removal may result in an effective response to the development of stent‐induced ductal change.