Yokota Y, et al. - This retrospective study aimed to examine whether partially covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) had longer patency than uncovered and fully covered SEMSs in the management of distal malignant biliary obstruction. Compared to uncovered and fully covered SEMSs, partially covered SEMSs with a proximal uncovered flared end had longer patency by preventing tumor ingrowth and stent migration.