When performing interventions for biliary obstructions, which type of stents may be inserted?

In the treatment of biliary obstructions, both plastic and metallic stents can be utilized effectively, and one of the common types of stents used includes plastic stents. Plastic stents are often used in situations where temporary support is needed, such as during acute biliary obstructions, due to their ease of placement and the ability to be removed when no longer needed.

Metallic stents, while not mentioned in the correct answer, play an integral role in treating more complex or chronic biliary obstructions because of their greater radial strength and longer patency rates compared to plastic stents. They are typically deployed in cases where long-term drainage is required, such as in patients with unresectable malignancies.

The mention of nylon stents specifically is inaccurate in this scenario, as they are not utilized as conventional stents. The key takeaway is that both plastic and metallic stents are critical in managing biliary obstructions, allowing for a flexible approach based on the clinical situation and the patient's needs. Thus, the assertion that only plastic or "nylon" stents are applicable is misleading, as nylon stents are not part of standard practice in this context.