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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been widely utilized in gastrointestinal endoscopy, mostly to treat patients with dysplastic Barrett esophagus. An endoscopic probe for performing biliary tree RFA in the context of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has been available for some time, but many practitioners may lack experience with this device. In a systematic review and meta-analysis including 9 studies (505 patients), investigators evaluated the safety and efficacy of biliary stent placement with or without biliary RFA.
The mean pooled difference in stent patency between groups was 51 days (95% confidence interval, 33–68), favoring patients who received RFA. Survival analysis showed improved overall survival in patients treated …