Figure 1.

Scanning electron micrographs of clogged polyethylene stents showing (a) fragments of a protein conditioning film layered on the inner surface of a blocked stent, as visible after removal of the sludge material, (b) different bacterial and fungal species colonizing the inner surface of the stent, (c) a mature biofilm of Enterococcus spp., (d) a Candida spp. mature biofilm exhibiting different stages of fungal growth, (e) typical flock-shaped cholesterol crystals, as well as numerous bacilli and (f) plant fibers found in the biliary sludge.