Use of the viabil covered stent in the treatment of a benign biliary stricture with the subsequent development of acute pancreatitis

The use of bare metal stents for benign biliary strictures is typically avoided due to historically poor long-term patency. Thus, in patients who are not surgical candidates, the management of benign biliary strictures can be a frustrating process. This article describes a patient who developed a common bile duct stricture following a complex endovascular thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair. The stricture was treated with the placement of a covered metallic biliary stent; a procedure complicated by the development of acute pancreatitis.