Laparoscopic gastric bypass for gastric outlet obstruction is associated with smoother, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay compared with open surgery

Midterm Evaluation of EUS-guided Gastroenterostomy for Gastric Outlet Obstruction: An International Collaborative Study

BACKGROUND

EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a minimally invasive therapy for the management of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). EUS-GE has demonstrated excellent short-term efficacy without the risks of surgical bypass. However, there is limited data on follow-up outcomes. In this study, we collected 6-month follow-up data on patients who underwent EUS-GE for benign and malignant etiologies, to aim to show the shift in paradigm in their management algorithm.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter study across 7 international centers of consecutive patients undergoing EUS-GE over a 4-year period who were entered in a dedicated registry. Demographic characteristics, procedure-related information, and follow-up data were collected. Primary outcome was the 6-month data on clinical resolution of GOO.

RESULTS

Ninety-one patients were included (71 malignant and 20 benign cases). Technical success was 99% due to high expertise and volume. Clinical success at 48 hours was 97% (88/90) with an average procedure time of 47 minutes and length of stay of 5.86 days. At 3 months, 87 (95.6%) patients had achieved clinical resolution. At 6 months, 48 (53%) subjects were alive, 40 (44%) were deceased, 3 were lost to follow-up (3.3%) and 1 (1%) had a recurrence of GOO. Clinical success at 6 months follow-up was 98% (47/48).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with GOO who undergo EUS-GE showed clinical resolution at 6-month follow-up. Patients with malignant etiology are appropriately palliated during their life span. Further prospective studies are necessary to obtain long-term data regarding EUS-GE for benign etiologies.

Novel nutrition strategies in gastric and esophageal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Advances in treatment strategies for gastric and esophageal cancer have led to improved long-term outcomes, however the local and systemic effects of the primary tumor, neoadjuvant therapies and surgery, result in specific nutritional challenges. Comprehensive nutritional evaluation and support represents a core component of multidisciplinary holistic care for this patient population.

AREAS COVERED

We provide a detailed overview of nutritional challenges in gastric and esophageal cancer, with a focus on malignant obstruction, preoperative optimization and survivorship. We discuss current management strategies and evidence base, and describe future therapeutic targets.

EXPERT OPINION

Data to support the optimal management of malignant dysphagia and obstruction, particularly regarding patient reported outcomes, is currently lacking. The advantages of nutritional optimization in the pre- and immediate postoperative phase are well described, but further research is needed to inform optimal personalised strategies. Emerging data regarding the physiologic regulation of appetite and body weight have provided key insights and informed the development of novel therapeutic targets to improve nutritional status among patients undergoing treatment for oesophageal and gastric cancer.

Endoscopic Treatment of Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Endoscopic management of gastric outlet obstruction includes balloon dilation, enteral stenting, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) to relieve mechanical blockage and reestablish per oral intake. Based on the degree of obstruction, patients may experience debilitating symptoms that can quickly lead to malnutrition and delays in chemotherapy. Compared with surgery, minimally invasive endoscopic options can provide similar clinical outcomes with fewer adverse events, faster resumption of oral feeding, and shorter hospitalizations. EUS-GE with a lumen-apposing metal stent has revolutionized treatment, especially in individuals who are not ideal surgical candidates. This article aims to describe endoscopic treatment options and future considerations.

Ergonomic Considerations in Urologic Surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper aims to discuss the various work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) among urologists and provide an overview of the latest recommendations to improve awareness of ergonomic principles that can be applied in the operating room, with special consideration of challenges faced during pregnancy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Urologists suffer from a large burden of WRMDs. The main drivers of pain associated with the various surgical approaches include repetitive movements, static and awkward body positions, and the use of burdensome equipment. Pregnant surgeons are at an even greater risk of WRMDs and face high rates of pregnancy complications. Laparoscopy, endoscopy, robot-assisted surgeries, and open surgeries present unique ergonomic challenges for the practicing urologist. Proper posture and equipment use, optimal operating room setup, intraoperative stretching breaks, and an emphasis on teaching ergonomic principles can reduce the risk of WRMDs. Surgeons are also at increased risk of WRMDs during pregnancy but may continue to operate while taking measures to limit physical exertion and fatigue. Improving awareness of and incorporating ergonomic principles early in a urologist's career may reduce the risk of injury and improve operative performance and longevity.

Laparoscopic versus EUS-guided gastroenterostomy for gastric outlet obstruction: an international multicenter propensity score-matched comparison (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In the management of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) seems to be safe and more effective than enteral stent placement. However, comparisons with laparoscopic GE (L-GE) are scarce. Our aim was to perform a propensity score-matched comparison between EUS-GE and L-GE.

METHODS

An international, multicenter, retrospective analysis was performed of consecutive EUS-GE and L-GE procedures in 3 academic centers (January 2015 to May 2020) using propensity score matching to minimize selection bias. A standard maximum propensity score difference of .1 was applied, also considering underlying disease and oncologic staging.

RESULTS

Overall, 77 patients were treated with EUS-GE and 48 patients with L-GE. By means of propensity score matching, 37 patients were allocated to both groups, resulting in 74 (1:1) matched patients. Technical success was achieved in 35 of 37 EUS-GE-treated patients (94.6%) versus 100% in the L-GE group (P = .493). Clinical success, defined as eating without vomiting or GOO Scoring System ≥2, was achieved in 97.1% and 89.2%, respectively (P = .358). Median time to oral intake (1 [interquartile range {IQR}, .3-1.0] vs 3 [IQR, 1.0-5.0] days, P < .001) and median hospital stay (4 [IQR, 2-8] vs 8 [IQR, 5.5-20] days, P < .001) were significantly shorter in the EUS-GE group. Overall (2.7% vs 27.0%, P = .007) and severe (.0% vs 16.2%, P = .025) adverse events were identified more frequently in the L-GE group.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with GOO, EUS-GE and L-GE showed almost identical technical and clinical success. However, reduced time to oral intake, shorter median hospital stay, and lower rate of adverse events suggest that the EUS-guided approach might be preferable.

Optimal Management of Gastric Outlet Obstruction in Unresectable Malignancies

The aim of this article is to review the different treatment options for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) and compare their safety and efficacy. We describe the history and evolution of gastrojejunostomy (GJ), endoscopic stenting and endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) and analyze the current evidence regarding these three methods available in the literature, comparing their applicability, safety, complications and cost when used for the treatment of malignant GOO. We conclude that given the benefits of endoscopic techniques and the ability to place a stent away from the tumor, EUS-GE is a promising technique that may yield an efficacy similar to that of surgical GJ and duodenal stenting, with lower reintervention rates and fewer adverse events.

Palliative gastrojejunostomy in unresectable cancer and gastric outlet obstruction: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Palliative gastrojejunostomy is a surgical technique that allows restoration of oral intake among patients with gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) caused by unresectable neoplasms. Research suggests standard treatment for malignant GOO should be laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy (LGJ). This study presents the clinical outcomes of palliative gastrojejunostomy and compares results from LGJ and open gastrojejunostomy (OGJ) at our centre.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis on patients who underwent palliative gastrojejunostomy for GOO caused by unresectable neoplasms between 2008 and 2018. We included demographic variables, time to recover intestinal transit, time to recover oral intake, hospital stay, complications and global survival.

RESULTS

A total of 39 patients underwent palliative gastrojejunostomy (20 OGJ, 19 LGJ). Patients in the LGJ group recovered oral intake and intestinal transit faster than those in the OGJ group (3 vs 5 days, p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in median operating time, hospital stay or postoperative complications between the two groups. No intraoperative complications occurred. The estimated global survival was 178 days, with no significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Palliative LGJ allows earlier restoration of oral intake and does not increase morbidity or mortality. Palliative LGJ should be considered the standard treatment for these patients.

Management of gastric outlet obstruction: Focusing on endoscopic approach

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a medical condition characterized by epigastric pain and postprandial vomiting due to mechanical obstruction. The obstructions typically involved in GOO can be benign or malignant. Peptic ulcer disease is the most common cause of benign GOO, and malignant causes include gastric cancer, lymphoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor. With the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and the use of proton pump inhibitors, the predominant causes have changed from benign to malignant diseases. Treatment of GOO depends on the underlying cause: Proton pump inhibitors, H. pylori eradication, endoscopic treatments including balloon dilatation or the placement of self-expandable stents, or surgery.

Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy for gastric outlet obstruction in patients with unresectable hepatopancreatobiliary cancers: A personal series and systematic review of the literature

The major symptoms of advanced hepatopancreatic-biliary cancer are biliary obstruction, pain and gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). For obstructive jaundice, surgical treatment should de consider in recurrent stent complications. The role of surgery for pain relief is marginal nowadays. On the last, there is no consensus for treatment of malignant GOO. Endoscopic duodenal stents are associated with shorter length of stay and faster relief to oral intake with more recurrent symptoms. Surgical gastrojejunostomy shows better long-term results and lower re-intervention rates, but there are limited data about laparoscopic approach. We performed a systematic review of the literature, according PRISMA guidelines, to search for articles on laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy for malignant GOO treatment. We also report our personal series, from 2009 to 2017. A review of the literature suggests that there is no standardized surgical technique either standardized outcomes to report. Most of the studies are case series, so level of evidence is low. Decision-making must consider medical condition, nutritional status, quality of life and life expectancy. Evaluation of the patient and multidisciplinary expertise are required to select appropriate approach. Given the limited studies and the difficulty to perform prospective controlled trials, no study can answer all the complexities of malignant GOO and more outcome data is needed.

Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy versus duodenal stenting in unresectable gastric cancer with gastric outlet obstruction

Purpose

To compare the outcome between laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy (LapGJ) and duodenal stenting (DS) in terms of oral intake, nutritional status, patency duration, effect on chemotherapy and survival.

Methods

Medical records of 115 patients, who had LapGJ or duodenal stent placement between July 2005 and September 2015 in Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, have been reviewed retrospectively. Oral intake was measured with Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System. Serum albumin and body weight was measured as indicators of nutritional status. The duration of patency was measured until the date of reintervention. Chemotherapy effect was calculated after the procedures. Survival period and oral intake was analyzed by propensity score matching age, sex, T-stage, comorbidities, and chemotherapy status.

Results

Forty-three LapGJ patients and 58 DS patients were enrolled. Improvement in oral intake was shown in LapGJ group versus DS group (88% vs. 59%, P = 0.011). Serum albumin showed slight but significant increase after LapGJ (+0.75 mg/dL vs. −0.15 mg/dL, P = 0.002); however, there was no difference in their body weight (+5.1 kg vs. −1.0 kg, P = 0.670). Patients tolerated chemotherapy longer without dosage reduction after LapGJ (243 days vs. 74 days, P = 0.006) and maintained the entire chemotherapy regimen after the procedure longer in LapGJ group (247 days vs. 137 days, P = 0.042). LapGJ showed significantly longer survival than DS (220 vs. 114 days, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

DS can provide faster symptom relief but LapGJ can provide improved oral intake, better compliance to chemotherapy, and longer survival. Therefore, LapGJ should be the first choice in gastric outlet obstruction patients for long-term and better quality of life.

Modified Devine Exclusion for Unresectable Distal Gastric Cancer in Symptomatic Patients

Background

In patients with outlet obstruction syndrome and/or severe anemia secondary to unresectable gastric cancer (GC), partial stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy, or modified Devine exclusion, is a surgical alternative.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on patients with unresectable distal GC treated with modified Devine exclusion as palliative surgery between February 2005 and December 2015. It consisted of a series of 10 patients with outlet obstruction syndrome and/or severe anemia. The outcomes of this technique were based on oral tolerance, blood transfusions, postoperative complications, and survival.

Results

Early oral tolerance and a low rate of blood transfusions were observed postoperatively. There was no postoperative mortality and a very low complication rate without anastomotic leakage. Median survival was 9 months.

Conclusions

Partial stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy is a safe procedure for unresectable GC which can improve the quality of life of these patients.

Update on endoscopic management of gastric outlet obstruction in children

Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) and surgical intervention are two most common and effective treatments for gastric outlet obstruction. Correction of gastric outlet obstruction without the need for surgery is an issue that has been tried to be resolved in these decades; this management has developed with EBD, advanced treatments like local steroid injection, electrocauterization, and stent have been added recently. The most common causes of pediatric gastric outlet obstruction are idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, peptic ulcer disease followed by the ingestion of caustic substances, stenosis secondary to surgical anastomosis; antral web, duplication cyst, ectopic pancreas, and other rare conditions. A complete clinical, radiological and endoscopic evaluation of the patient is required to make the diagnosis, with complimentary histopathologic studies. EBD are used in exceptional cases, some with advantages over surgical intervention depending on each patient in particular and on the characteristics and etiology of the gastric outlet obstruction. Local steroid injection and electrocauterization can augment the effect of EBD. The future of endoscopic treatment seems to be aimed at the use of endoscopic electrocauterization and balloon dilatations.

Endoscopic approach to gastrointestinal bypass in malignant gastric outlet obstruction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a debilitating complication of cancer associated with a poor prognosis. The primary aim in the management of malignant GOO is usually palliation starting with the reinstitution of luminal patency with either surgical bypass or enteral stenting. These traditional modalities, however, have important limitations. Endoscopic bypass is a novel approach to GOO and may be an ideal technique, in which a sustained bypass can be created through a minimally invasive approach. The goal of this review is to describe the technical aspects as well as the clinical data of endoscopic bypass.

RECENT FINDINGS

A review of this novel technique is timely given recent developments of several accessories and techniques that allow for safer and easier endoscopic bypass including the advent of the lumen apposing stent, a specialized double-balloon enteric tube, the EUS-assisted technique, and the natural orifice transluminal surgery approach. In addition, accumulating and promising data have emerged supporting the endoscopic approach to gastric bypass.

SUMMARY

Endoscopic bypass is a novel and developing field of therapeutic endoscopy with improving technique and promising clinical data. This review will help to shed light on the current status and future direction of this intricate endoscopic modality.

Surgical palliation of gastric outlet obstruction in advanced malignancy

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a common problem associated with advanced malignancies of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Palliative treatment of patients’ symptoms who present with GOO is an important aspect of their care. Surgical palliation of malignancy is defined as a procedure performed with the intention of relieving symptoms caused by an advanced malignancy or improving quality of life. Palliative treatment for GOO includes operative (open and laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy) and non-operative (endoscopic stenting) options. The performance status and medical condition of the patient, the extent of the cancer, the patients prognosis, the availability of a curative procedure, the natural history of symptoms of the disease (primary and secondary), the durability of the procedure, and the quality of life and life expectancy of the patient should always be considered when choosing treatment for any patient with advanced malignancy. Gastrojejunostomy appears to be associated with better long term symptom relief while stenting appears to be associated with lower immediate procedure related morbidity.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing partial stomach partitioning gastrojejunostomy versus conventional gastrojejunostomy for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction

PURPOSE

Partial stomach partitioning gastrojejunostomy (PSPGJ) was introduced as a palliative treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGO) caused by unresectable gastric or periampullary cancers and suggested to offer advantages over conventional gastrojejunostomy (CGJ) in reducing the risk for delayed gastric emptying (DGE). However, insufficient evidence is available to allow a comprehensive view of the true value of PSPGJ. The present study aimed to show the advantages of PSPGJ in terms of alleviating DGE and improving postoperative recovery compared to CGJ.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed, and studies comparing DGE and other perioperative and postoperative data including operation time, blood loss, total postoperative complications, anastomotic leak, postoperative period before oral intake, and/or hospital stay between PSPGJ and CGJ for MGO were incorporated. Risk ratio (RR) for binary variables and weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous variables were calculated, and meta-analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Seven studies containing 207 patients were included. The risk for DGE was significantly lower after PSPGJ (RR 0.32; 95%CI 0.17 to 0.60; P < 0.001). PSPGJ significantly reduced the postoperative hospital stay (WMD -6.1 days; 95%CI -8.9 to -3.3 days; P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the other variables between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

PSPGJ for MGO seems to offer significant advantages in terms of alleviating DGE and improving postoperative recovery compared to CGJ.

Treatment of gastric outlet obstruction that results from unresectable gastric cancer: Current evidence

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a common condition that results from locally advanced malignancies in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as pancreatic, gastric, and other carcinomas. Two types of procedures for malignant GOO, namely, gastrojejunostomy (GJ) with laparotomy or a laparoscopic approach and endoscopic stenting (ES), are currently available. Although numerous previous reports have clarified the benefits and drawbacks of each procedure, whether GJ or ES should be used in patients with GOO that results from gastric cancer who may have a longer life expectancy than patients with other malignancies has not been determined. In this review, which focuses on gastric cancer-induced GOO, we analyzed the two systematic reviews and a meta-analysis that compared GJ and ES and outlined the current status of GOO treatment. We also provide an updated review that includes laparoscopic GJ. Various data from 13 studies in one review and 6 studies in another review were analyzed. Although the main results of the present review indicated that both GJ and ES were efficacious treatments in patients with GOO that resulted from gastric cancer, current evidence suggests that GJ may be the preferable procedure given its good performance status and improved prognosis in gastric cancer patients.

Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy for the treatment of gastric outlet obstruction

These authors found that laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy for the management of gastric outlet obstruction can be performed with good outcomes and acceptable complication rates.

Background and Objectives:

Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy (LGJ) has been proposed as the technique preferred over open gastrojejunostomy for relieving gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) due to malignant and benign disease. This study investigates the feasibility and safety of LGJ for GOO.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent LGJ at Mount Sinai Medical Center from 2004 to 2008. Patient's operative course and long-term outcomes were collected.

Results:

Twenty-eight patients were reviewed (16 had malignancy, 7 had PUD, 3 had Crohn's disease, and one had obstruction of unclear cause). Average operative time was 170 minutes, and estimated blood loss was 80cc. One case was converted to open; another had stapler misfiring. Patients regained bowel function at a median of 3 days and remained in the hospital for a median of 8 days. There were 4 major postoperative complications (14%): 1 anastomotic leak and 1 trocar-site hemorrhage requiring reoperation and 2 gastrointestinal bleeds requiring endoscopic intervention. There were 5 minor complications (18%), including a partial small bowel obstruction, 1 patient developed bacteremia, and 3 patients had delayed gastric emptying. One patient had persistent GOO requiring reoperation 3 months later.

Conclusion:

LGJ can be performed for GOO with improved outcome and an acceptable complication rate compared to the open GJ reported in the literature.

Advances in cancer surgery: natural orifice surgery (NOTES) for oncological diseases

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a new concept that attempts to reduce the impact of surgery on the patient. In surgical oncology several studies have already revealed that a minimally invasive approach provides at least the same, if not a better, long-term outcome. One could hypothesize that a less invasive approach such as NOTES could further enhance such advantages. Since its initial description, NOTES has become clinical reality and today nearly every organ is accessible by a transluminal approach, in at least the experimental setting. Subsequent to published research, first clinical studies on NOTES in oncology were reported and the accuracy of transgastric peritoneoscopy for staging of pancreas cancer was shown to be similar to laparoscopy in humans. A NOTES gastro-jejunostomy via transgastric access has also been proposed to decrease invasiveness of palliative treatment of duodenal, biliary and pancreatic cancers. Colorectal cancer resection via transanal access would offer a clear-cut patient advantage over laparoscopic and would not be subject to the frequent criticism of violating an innocent second organ, as the colon or rectum is always breached in a colectomy. Natural orifice endoluminal therapies, such as endoscopic submucosal dissection, already have been clinically applied for several years. Improved techniques or instruments evolving from NOTES technology might enhance its widespread use for the treatment of early malignancies and thereby again will provide a tremendous benefit for the patient. Although still somewhat controversial, the subject of natural orifice surgery in oncological disease indicates that current laboratory efforts to introduce NOTES into cancer surgery could be ready for cautious clinical investigations. The final determination of patient benefit will need well-constructed prospective study.

Laparoscopic-assisted stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy for the palliation of gastric outlet obstruction from antral gastric cancer

Conventional gastrojejunostomy is performed for gastric outlet obstruction; however, we have experience of some patients for whom oral intake was not adequately restored. Open stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy is a useful technique for the relief of unresectable and obstructing antral gastric cancers. We herein report the successful laparoscopic application of this technique in 2 patients: a 62-year-old male and a 65-year-old female with obstructing antral gastric cancer. There were no operative complications, and blood loss was minimal. Oral fluid intake was resumed 3 and 4 days postoperatively. Chemotherapy by oral administration was possible for each patient. There was no recurrence of the gastric outlet obstruction in either patient up until they died 6 and 10 months after surgery. Laparoscopic stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy is a safe and useful technique for treating unresectable and obstructing antral gastric cancer, allowing the possibility of adequate oral intake and permitting the administration of anticancer drugs.

Risk factors for morbidity and mortality following gastroenterostomy

BACKGROUND

Morbidity and mortality following traditional surgical treatment of gastric outlet obstruction is high. The aim of this work was to identify risk factors predictive of postoperative complications and mortality following gastroenterostomy.

METHODS

One-hundred sixty-five consecutive patients subjected to open gastroenterostomy from January 1996 through July 2003 were included. Data on vital signs and operative variables were retrieved from medical records and recorded retrospectively. Risk factors for postoperative complications and mortality within 30 days after operation were analyzed with multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

The 30-day complication and death rates were higher after emergency operations (80% and 60%) than after elective operations (32% and 25%). A multivariate analysis disclosed that hypoalbuminemia (< or = 32 g/l), comorbidity, high age, and hyponatremia (< 135 micromol/l) were significantly associated with postoperative death, whereas hypoalbuminemia, comorbidity, high age, and emergency operation were predictors of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications and mortality after gastroenterostomy due to gastric outlet obstruction are associated with modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Prior to surgery means should be taken to correct low albumin and sodium levels to prevent complications. In addition, the surgeon should consider alternative treatment modalities including laparoscopic gastroenterostomy, self-expanding metallic stents, or tube gastrostomy to relieve or palliate gastric outlet obstruction.

A systematic review of methods to palliate malignant gastric outlet obstruction

BACKGROUND

The traditional approach to palliating patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) has been open gastrojejunostomy (OGJ). More recently endoscopic stenting (ES) and laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy (LGJ) have been introduced as alternatives, and some studies have suggested improved outcomes with ES. The aim of this review is to compare ES with OGJ and LGJ in terms of clinical outcome.

METHOD

A systematic literature search and review was performed for the period January 1990 to May 2008. Original comparative studies were included where ES was compared with either LGJ or OGJ or both, for the palliation of malignant GOO.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria (10 retrospective cohort studies, two randomised controlled trials and one prospective study). Compared with OGJ, ES resulted in an increased likelihood of tolerating an oral intake [odds ratio (OR) 2.6, p = 0.02], a shorter time to tolerating an oral intake (mean difference 6.9 days, p < 0.001) and a shorter post-procedural hospital stay (mean difference 11.8 days, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between 30-day mortality, complication rates or survival. There were an inadequate number of cases to quantitatively compare ES with LGJ.

CONCLUSION

This review demonstrates improved clinical outcomes with ES over OGJ for patients with malignant GOO. However, there is insufficient data to adequately compare ES with LGJ, which is the current standard for operative management. As these conclusions are based on observational studies only, future large well-designed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) would be required to ensure the estimates of the relative efficacy of these interventions are valid.