A major H.U.B contribution to the new European recommendations on the management of biliary strictures
The new recommendations from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) on the management of biliary strictures have recently been published in the journal Endoscopy.
This publication represents an important step forward for digestive endoscopy practice in Europe. It provides evidence-based recommendations to guide the management of benign and malignant biliary strictures, including through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
H.U.B expertise at the heart of these recommendations
The H.U.B. is strongly represented in this work: Prof. Arnaud Lemmers, Director of the Digestive Endoscopy Clinic is the first author and personally coordinated the development of these guidelines together with a panel of international experts. Prof. Sara Teles de Campos, Gastroenterology, specialising in therapeutic endoscopy, and Prof. Marianna Arvanitakis, also specialising in therapeutic endoscopy and Director of the Pancreatology and Nutritional Support Clinic, are also among the co-authors.
The development of these recommendations, commissioned by the ESGE in 2025, brought together several groups of experts and included a systematic review of the scientific literature following the GRADE methodology. The document notably updates previous recommendations on biliary stenting and incorporates recent developments in endoscopic techniques and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound.
Recommendations set to become a reference for the years to come
Among the key developments, the guidelines clarify the role of different types of stents in benign and malignant strictures, drainage strategies according to the location of the stricture and the patient’s anatomy, and the role of endoscopic ultrasound when ERCP is unsuccessful or cannot be performed.
These recommendations now constitute a European reference for specialists involved in the endoscopic management of biliary diseases and will contribute to harmonising clinical practice through an evidence-based approach tailored to each clinical situation.
Congratulations to Prof. Arnaud Lemmers, Prof. Sara Teles de Campos and Prof. Marianna Arvanitakis, as well as to all the international experts, on this important work, which contributes to the scientific reputation of the H.U.B and to the continued development of digestive endoscopy!