Advances in Endoscopic Management of Distal Biliary Stricture: Integrating Clinical Evidence into Patient-Specific Decision-Making

The majority (70–85%) of biliary strictures—a narrowing of the bile ducts—are associated with malignancy, particularly pancreatic adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, and are unresectable at presentation. Management options for distal biliary obstruction depend on several clinical factors, including the underlying cause and the location and complexity of the stricture. Endoscopic stent placement has lower morbidity and mortality rates compared with more invasive surgical options and is usually the first-line treatment to clear the blockage or allow the bile duct to drain internally. There are several stenting techniques to treat stenosis, but the current quality of evidence regarding the approach for different etiologies mostly ranges from moderate to low, and there is a lack of patient-specific guidelines regarding treatment decisions and for optimizing clinical outcomes. This review describes recent developments in stent technology and distal biliary stricture management, particularly endoscopic ultrasonography-guided drainage, and synthesizes findings from clinical trials and emerging research to highlight the role of patient-specific factors, such as anatomy and comorbidities, in tailoring treatment strategies. The integration of trial evidence into clinical practice paves the way for more effective and personalized care while addressing current knowledge gaps. Future research directions are identified to advance the development of innovative stent designs, enhance the quality of life, and improve long-term outcomes for patients with biliary strictures.