Surgical bypass versus metallic stent for unresectable pancreatic cancer

Palliative laparoscopic Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy as a feasible treatment option for malignant distal biliary obstruction

PURPOSES

The advantages of surgical bypass for patients with distal biliary obstruction caused by advanced periampullary cancer include a low risk of recurrent biliary obstruction; however, the highly invasive nature of the operation limits its use. Herein, we present the clinical findings of patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy (LRYCJ) compared with those who underwent endoscopic stent insertion.

METHODS

We reviewed, retrospectively, the palliative care outcomes for malignant bile duct obstruction according to the type of intervention: LRYCJ vs. endoscopic stenting. After initial intervention, the factors predisposing to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) were identified via multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 28 patients treated with LRYCJ (22.4%) and 97 patients who underwent endoscopic stent insertion (77.6%). The two groups did not differ in the incidence of early or late complications and mortality; however, the LRYCJ group had a lower incidence of RBO (4 patients, 14.3% vs. 73 patients, 75.3%; p < 0.001). As a predisposing factor for RBO, endoscopic stenting was the only highly significant predictor (OR 16.956, CI 5.140-55.935, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

LRYCJ represents an attractive option for palliation of malignant distal biliary obstruction, with improved biliary-tract patency and less need for subsequent interventions such as additional stenting.

Biliary palliation for unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma: surgical bypass or self-expanding metal stent?

BACKGROUND

Standard of care guidelines endorse self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) rather than open surgical biliary bypass (OSBB) for biliary palliation in the setting of unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study used competing risk analysis to compare short- and long-term morbidity and overall survival among patients undergoing SEMS or OSBB after unresectable or metastatic disease is identified at the time of exploration.

METHODS

Single institution retrospective cohort study (n = 127) evaluating outcomes after OSBB and SEMS for biliary palliation in patients found to have unresectable PDAC at exploration. Short-term, long-term, and lifetime risk of biliary occlusion and survival were compared after adjustment for stage and comprehensive complication index (CCI).

RESULTS

Baseline demographics and tumor characteristics were equivalent between cohorts. Short-term complications were more frequent after OSBB, whereas late complications were greater after SEMS. The cumulative incidence of recurrent biliary obstruction was greater after SEMS, but lifetime complication burden and median survival were equivalent.

CONCLUSION

OSBB was associated with longer hospital stays and more short-term complications, and SEMS was associated with a higher risk of recurrent biliary obstruction among surgical patients with unresectable PDAC. Patient preference should be defined pre-operatively in the case the unresectable disease is encountered during attempted resection.

TWELVE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE USING CHOLECYSTOJEJUNAL BY-PASS FOR PALLIATIVE TREATMENT OF ADVANCED PANCREATIC CANCER

Background:

The cholecistojejunal bypass is an important resource to treat obstructive jaundice due to advanced pancreatic cancer.

Aim:

To assess the early morbidity and mortality of patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent cholecystojejunal derivation, and to assess the success of this procedure in relieving jaundice.

Method:

This retrospective study examined the medical records of patients who underwent surgery. They were categorized into early death and non-early death groups according to case outcome.

Results:

51.8% of the patients were male and 48.2% were female. The mean age was 62.3 years. Early mortality was 14.5%, and 10.9% of them experienced surgical complications. The cholecystojejunostomy procedure was effective in 97% of cases. There was a tendency of increased survival in women and patients with preoperative serum total bilirubin levels below 15 mg/dl.

Conclusion:

Cholecystojejunal derivation is a good therapeutic option for relieving jaundice in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality.

Early surgical bypass versus endoscopic stent placement in pancreatic cancer

INTRODUCTION

The optimal treatment for biliary obstruction in pancreatic cancer remains controversial between surgical bypass and endoscopic stenting.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of unresected pancreatic cancer patients in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Florida State Inpatient and Ambulatory Surgery databases (2007-2011). Propensity score matching by procedure. Primary outcome was reintervention, and secondary outcomes were readmission, overall length of stay (LOS), discharge home, death and cost. Multivariate analyses performed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

In a matched cohort of 622, 20.3% (63) of endoscopic and 4.5% (14) of surgical patients underwent reintervention (p < 0.0001) and 56.0% (174) vs. 60.1% (187) were readmitted (p = 0.2909). Endoscopic patients had lower median LOS (10 vs. 19 days, p < 0.0001) and cost ($21,648 vs. $38,106, p < 0.0001) as well as increased discharge home (p = 0.0029). No difference in mortality on index admission. On multivariate analysis, initial procedure not predictive of readmission (p = 0.1406), but early surgical bypass associated with lower odds of reintervention (OR = 0.233, 95% CI 0.119, 0.434).

DISCUSSION

Among propensity score-matched patients receiving bypass vs. stenting, readmission and mortality rates are similar. However, candidates for both techniques may experience fewer subsequent procedures if offered early biliary bypass with the caveats of decreased discharge home and increased cost/LOS.

Clinical efficacy of endoscopic pancreatic drainage for pain relief with malignant pancreatic duct obstruction

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of pancreatic drainage for pain relief in advanced pancreatic cancer.

METHOD

Seventy-one patients with pancreatic carcinoma were divided into two groups: dilated and non-dilated pancreatic ducts. All patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic biliary stenting and pancreatic stenting. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, pain remission rates and survival time were evaluated during follow-up.

RESULTS

The post-ERCP VAS score of the dilated group was lower than that of the non-dilated group at 1 and 3 months post-ERCP. There was no difference at 6 months. The pain remission rate in the dilated duct group was significantly higher than that in non-dilated duct group in 1 and 3 months post-ERCP. The median survival times were 8.17 and 8.22 months respectively.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic pancreatic drainage can relieve pain of advanced pancreatic cancer accompanied by safe dilation of the pancreatic duct.

Comparison of the utility of covered metal stents versus uncovered metal stents in the management of malignant biliary strictures in 749 patients

BACKGROUND

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) are used to relieve malignant biliary obstruction.

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes between covered self-expandable metal stents (CSEMSs) and uncovered self-expandable metal stents (USEMSs) in malignant biliary obstruction.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary cancer center.

PATIENTS

Patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

INTERVENTIONS

Placement of CSEMS or USEMS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRO), overall survival (OS), and adverse events.

RESULTS

From January 2000 to June 2011, 749 patients received SEMSs: 171 CSEMSs and 578 USEMSs. At 1 year, there was no significant difference in the percentage of patients with recurrent obstruction (CSEMSs, 35% vs USEMSs, 38%) and survival (CSEMSs, 45% vs USEMSs, 49%). There was no significant difference in the median OS (CSEMSs, 10.4 months vs USEMSs, 11.8 months; P = .84) and the median TRO (CSEMSs, 15.4 months vs USEMSs, 26.3 months; P = .61). The adverse event rate was 27.5% for the CSEMS group and 27.7% for the USEMS group. Although tumor ingrowth with recurrent obstruction was more common in the USEMS group (76% vs 9%, P < .001), stent migration (36% vs 2%, P < .001) and acute pancreatitis (6% vs 1%, P < .001) were more common in the CSEMS group.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in the patency rate or overall survival between CSEMSs and USEMSs for malignant distal biliary strictures. The CSEMS group had a significantly higher rate of migration and pancreatitis than the USEMS group. No significant SEMS-related adverse events were observed in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation or surgical resection.

Biliary stenting versus surgical bypass for palliation of periampullary malignancy

BACKGROUND

Patients with periampullary cancers may not be suitable for curative resection due to locally advanced disease, metastases, or poor health. Biliary stenting and surgical bypass are utilized for symptom control, but the true benefit of one technique over the other is not clear.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of case records was undertaken of patients with periampullary (pancreatic head/uncinate process, distal bile duct, and ampulla of Vater and surrounding duodenum) malignancy treated between June 2004 and June 2010 in a tertiary center by palliative biliary stenting or palliative surgical bypass.

RESULTS

Of the 69 patients included in the analysis, combined biliary and gastric bypass was performed on 28, while 41 underwent biliary stent (metallic, n = 39) insertion. Patients undergoing stenting were significantly older and less likely to be offered chemotherapy than those from the surgical bypass group. Overall, there were significantly more complications in the stent insertion group (85 %) than the surgical bypass group (36 %) (p = 0.003). The stent group required significantly more subsequent procedures than the surgical bypass group. Metal stent obstruction occurred in 16 of 39 (41 %) patients, with a median stent patency of 224 days. The overall median survival of patients in this study was 7 months with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.992). The presence of metastases at presentation was the only independent factor associated with decreased survival.

CONCLUSION

There was no survival difference between stenting vs. surgical bypass for palliation of periampullary cancer. There was, however, a high rate of stent occlusion and need for repeat procedures in patients treated by metal stenting, suggesting that stenting may be best suited to patients predicted as having the shortest survival.

Self-expandable metal stents in malignant biliary obstruction

Malignant biliary obstruction can be due to direct tumor infiltration, extrinsic compression, adjacent inflammation, desmoplastic reaction from tumors or, more commonly, a combination of the above factors. Pancreatic cancer is the most common cause of malignant biliary obstruction, and jaundice occurs in 70-90% of the patients during the course of the disease. Compared with the uncovered metal stents, covered metal stents have longer patency and a lower rate of tumor ingrowth, but have a higher rate of stent migration. To combat the occlusion and provide an antitumor effect, drug-eluting stents were developed. A duodenal stricture complicates biliary stent placement in 10-20% of patients with distal biliary obstruction due to pancreatic cancer. When both strictures are considered, a biliary stent can be placed either preceding or following duodenal stent placement. Complications of self-expandable metal stents include stent occlusion, stent migration, cholecystitis and pancreatitis.

Gastroduodenal stenting

Palliative procedures for patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstruction must be readily available, have a rapid onset of action, and be well tolerated by a patient with terminal cancer. Laparoscopic gastroenterostomy and insertion of self-expanding stents are emerging as the current methods of choice.An increasing number of dedicated enteral stents with different properties are now available. These can be placed under fluoroscopic guidance alone or with the help of an endoscope. Endoscopic placement has several advantages but requires good collaboration between the endoscopists and the radiology department. Appropriate imaging and work-up of each case at multidisciplinary meetings is required. Coexisting biliary obstruction may be dealt with endoscopically, but frequently requires percutaneous biliary stent placement prior to duodenal stenting. Reintervention is required in up to 25% of patients, usually due to stent occlusion by further tumor growth. This article suggests strategies for patient assessment, procedure planning, and stent insertion.

Self-expandable metal stents for malignant distal biliary strictures

Obstructive jaundice can result from benign or malignant etiologies. The common benign conditions include primary sclerosing cholangitis, chronic pancreatitis, and gallstones. Malignant biliary obstruction can be caused by direct tumor infiltration, extrinsic compression by enlarged lymph nodes or malignant lesions, adjacent inflammation, desmoplastic reaction from a tumor, or a combination of these factors. Malignant diseases causing biliary obstruction include pancreatic cancer, ampullary cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and metastatic diseases. This article focuses on malignant distal biliary obstruction and its management.

Advances in diagnosis, treatment and palliation of pancreatic carcinoma: 1990-2010

Several advances in genetics, diagnosis and palliation of pancreatic cancer (PC) have occurred in the last decades. A multidisciplinary approach to this disease is therefore recommended. PC is relatively common as it is the fourth leading cause of cancer related mortality. Most patients present with obstructive jaundice, epigastric or back pain, weight loss and anorexia. Despite improvements in diagnostic modalities, the majority of cases are still detected in advanced stages. The only curative treatment for PC remains surgical resection. No more than 20% of patients are candidates for surgery at the time of diagnosis and survival remains quite poor as adjuvant therapies are not very effective. A small percentage of patients with borderline non-resectable PC might benefit from neo-adjuvant chemoradiation therapy enabling them to undergo resection; however, randomized controlled studies are needed to prove the benefits of this strategy. Patients with unresectable PC benefit from palliative interventions such as biliary decompression and celiac plexus block. Further clinical trials to evaluate new chemo and radiation protocols as well as identification of genetic markers for PC are needed to improve the overall survival of patients affected by PC, as the current overall 5-year survival rate of patients affected by PC is still less than 5%. The aim of this article is to review the most recent high quality literature on this topic.

Role of the laparoscopic approach to biliary bypass for benign and malignant biliary diseases: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The laparoscopic approach for biliary bypass surgery is a contemporary management option. This article reviews the evidence available for its role and effectiveness.

METHODS

A computerised search was made of the MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE databases for English language publications from the first report of laparoscopic biliary bypass in 1992 to January 2010.

RESULTS

Some 89 patients featured in 19 reports underwent 89 laparoscopic biliary bypass procedures for benign (n=17) and malignant (n=72) indications. Of those, 52 patients underwent biliary bypass alone, while 37 patients underwent biliary bypass combined with gastric bypass. The procedures included cholecystojejunostomy (n=64), hepaticojejunostomy (n=14), and choledochoduodenostomy (n=11). The overall success rate in achieving resolution of jaundice was 98.9%, with a morbidity rate of 12.3% and a mortality rate of 5.6%. More than one procedure was required in 1.1% of patients to achieve resolution of obstructive jaundice. During a reported median follow-up period of 13 months, obstructive jaundice recurred in none of the patients.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic approach to biliary bypass surgery is safe and has a high initial success rate, low reintervention rate, and low morbidity and mortality rates. Longer follow-up data and comparative studies with open surgery and endoscopic stenting are needed.

Drainage and bypass procedures for palliation of malignant diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Malignant diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract are common and often diagnosed at a point when the opportunity for curative surgical resection has passed. Symptoms of luminal obstruction include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, pain, pruritus and jaundice. The median survival of patients who cannot be cured surgically is extremely short, with a duration of only a few months. Effective palliative techniques with a low morbidity and associated mortality are required. The length of hospital stay, rapid recovery and reduction in recurrent symptoms are important factors for patients and doctors to consider when planning treatment. Traditionally, surgical techniques were used, but in the last 20 years the availability of both endoscopic and interventional radiological procedures has increased. Furthermore, advances in technology such as the development of self-expanding metal stents and covered stent designs have provided more therapeutic options for the endoscopist and radiologist. Here we discuss the available treatments for the palliation of gastric outlet and biliary tract obstruction and the evidence for the respective approaches.

Stapled cholecystojejunostomy for palliative treatment of the malignant jaundice; an effective and feasible alternative to hand-sewn method

Unresectable periampullary cancer is commonly characterized by painless jaundice and has a rapid evolution with dismal prognosis. Biliary drainage can be achieved by various techniques and approaches, with the endoscopic drainage being the preferred method. However, when open surgery is performed with the intent to resect a tumor which is finally found to be unresectable, open drainage of the biliary tree is indicated. We present a new technique of cholecystojejunostomy using a circular mechanical stapler, which could be used in patients with intact gallbladder and widely patent the cystic duct. The described cholecystoenterostomy with the use of a circular mechanical stapler is the first reported in the literature. The procedure has been successfully used in 6 patients with excellent results. No early recurrence of biliary obstruction, cholangitis or post-operative anastomotic complications were observed. The relative simplicity of the procedure, the shorter operative time and the effective relief of jaundice, are the main advantages of the proposed technique. We believe that this method needs further investigation and can be proved effective in reducing hospitalization and anastomotic complications, compared to hand-sewn techniques.

Nitinol biliary stent versus surgery for palliation of distal malignant biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND

Curative resection of pancreatic and biliary malignancies is rare. Most tumors are inoperable at presentation, and palliation of jaundice often is the goal. Biliary decompression can be achieved by surgical diversion or endoscopic biliary stents. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes between surgical bypass and endoscopic uncovered nitinol stents in the palliation of patients with malignant distal common bile duct obstruction.

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective, cohort study investigated 86 patients with inoperable malignant distal common bile duct strictures at tertiary referral centers in Medellín, Colombia. These patients had undergone surgery (group 1) or placement of an uncovered 30-Fr self-expandable nitinol stent produced locally in Medellín, Colombia (group 2). The main outcome measurements included cumulative biliary patency, hospital stay, and patient survival.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 86 patients (mean age, 66 years; range, 43-78 years) including 40 patients in group 1 and 46 patients in group 2. Both groups were similar in terms of age, gender, liver metastasis, and diagnosis. Technical success was achieved for 38 patients in group 1 (95%) and 43 patients in group 2 (93%). Functional biliary decompression was obtained in for 35 of the surgical patients (88%) and 42 of the stented patients (91%). Group 2 had lower rates for procedure-related mortality (2 vs. 7.5%; p = 0.01), a lower frequency of early complications (8.7 vs. 45%; p = 0.02), and a shorter hospital stay (median, 6 vs. 12 days; p = 0.01). Recurrent jaundice occurred for three patients in group 1 (7.5%) and eight patients in group 2 (17.3%) (p = 0.198). Late gastric outlet obstruction occurred for 12.5% of the patients in group 1 and 13% of the patients in group 2 (p = 0.73). Despite the early benefits of stenting, no significant difference in the median overall survival between the two groups was found (group 1, 163 days; group 2, 178 days; p = 0.11). The limitations of this study included the small number of patients and the retrospective design.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic stenting and surgery are effective palliation. The former is associated with fewer early complications and the latter with fewer late complications. Patients who do not qualify for curative resection may be better managed by stent placement. Surgery should be reserved for patients more likely to survive longer.

Combined biliary and gastric bypass procedures as effective palliation for unresectable malignant disease

BACKGROUND

Although endoscopic treatment of jaundice is increasingly used in the palliation of unresectable malignant disease, surgical bypass still has a role to play in this setting. This study aimed to reappraise the short-term and long-term results of combined biliary/gastric bypass (hepaticojejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy) as palliation for unresectable malignant disease.

METHODS

All patients undergoing simultaneous biliary and gastric bypass procedures for unresectable malignant disease between August 2000 and January 2006 were identified and outcomes reviewed.

RESULTS

One hundred and two patients underwent open surgical biliary drainage procedures for palliation of malignant disease. Underlying malignant disease included pancreatic carcinoma (n = 88), duodenal adenocarcinoma (n = 6) and distal cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3). Thirty-one of the patients underwent a planned palliative bypass procedure, the remainder being carried out after unresectable disease was identified at laparotomy. Postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were higher in the group undergoing planned bypass. During follow up, two patients developed recurrent jaundice that required transhepatic stenting and two patients developed late gastric outlet obstruction requiring refashioning of the gastrojejunostomy.

CONCLUSION

Combined surgical biliary and gastric bypass achieved effective palliation of jaundice and gastric outlet obstruction until death in >95% of patients in this series. It remains first-line therapy in patients identified as having unresectable disease at laparotomy.

Palliation of malignant obstructive jaundice

Peri-ampullary and hepatic malignancies will frequently present with obstructive jaundice. For unresectable tumors, effective and lasting decompression of the biliary tree is essential to improve quality of life and survival. An overview of present treatment modalities for palliation of obstructive jaundice is provided, including a systematic review of the English literature regarding the optimum choice of palliation.

Surgical bypass vs. endoscopic stenting for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients with pancreatic cancer are non-resectable and jaundiced at presentation. Methods of palliation in such patients with locally advanced disease comprise endoscopic placement of a biliary endoprosthesis or surgical bypass.

METHODS

This retrospective study compared morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, readmission rate and survival in consecutive patients with incurable locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 56 patients, of whom 33 underwent endoscopic stenting and 23 underwent a surgical bypass consisting of a hepaticojejunostomy-en-Y and a gastrojejunostomy. There were no significant differences in complication or mortality rates between patients undergoing palliative stenting and those undergoing palliative surgery. However, after excluding admissions for chemotherapy-related problems, the number of readmissions expressed as a percentage of the group population size was greater in stented patients compared with biliary bypass patients (39.4% vs. 13.0%, respectively; P < 0.05). Overall survival amongst patients undergoing palliative bypass was significantly greater than in stented patients (382 days vs. 135 days, respectively; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

On analysis of these data and the published literature, we conclude that surgical bypass represents an effective method of palliation for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients need to be carefully selected with regard to both operative risk and perceived overall survival.

Clinical outcomes and patency of self-expanding metal stents in patients with malignant upper gastrointestinal obstruction

This study was performed to evaluate clinical outcomes and factors associated with patency of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) in patients with malignant upper gastrointestinal (UGI) obstruction. In 83 patients with malignant UGI obstruction, 118 SEMS placements were performed. Obstruction sites were esophagus/gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) and gastric outlet (GO) in 41 and 42 patients, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 99.2% and clinical success in 90.5%, with no procedure-related complications. Re-obstruction and migration occurred in 38.1% during a mean follow-up of 137 days; both occurred significantly more often with GO than esophageal/GEJ obstruction (49.2% vs 23.9%). Patency rates of esophageal/GEJ obstruction were 93.5, 78.1 and 67.0% at 30, 90 and 180 days, respectively, and were significantly higher than those of GO obstruction-71.7, 51.8 and 32.5%. Palliative chemotherapy or radiation therapy was not associated with stent patency. Endoscopic SEMS placement is a safe and effective palliative treatment for malignant UGI obstruction, and complications or stent patency differed according to obstruction site.

[Endoscopic stent or surgical bypass? A review and evidence-based comparison of palliative procedures in inoperable pancreas tumours]

This review summarises the data of current meta-analyses on the outcome of endoscopic and surgical biliary bypass procedures applied for inoperable pancreatic tumours. The authors suggest that plastic biliary stents should be used in cases only with short survival (less than six months). In patients with a prognosis of longer than six month, self-expandable metal stents are more cost-effective. This latter technique is as efficient as the traditional surgical bypass procedures. However, surgical bypass is preferable in cases if tumour resection is questionable after staging or in patients with gastric emptying problems.Furthermore, application of duodenal stents is suggested in selected cases only due to relatively frequent late complications (stent migration, perforation, obstruction). Duodenal stents can be used in patients with advanced stage disease or very high operative risk.

Endoscopic Stenting for Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Obstruction often gives rise to disabling symptoms in non curable malignant upper gastrointestinal disease. Surgical relief is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We report outcomes of 24 patients palliated with endoscopic inserted stents. PATIENTS STUDIED: Thirteen females and 11 males, median age 66 years (range 24 to 88) suffered from gastroduodenal obstruction because of non curable malignant disease. All patients had nausea, repeated vomiting, and weight loss. The obstruction was localized in the stomach (n=5), gastrojejunostomy (n=3), or the duodenum (n=16). Self-expanding metal stents were delivered endoscopically under fluoroscopic control.

RESULTS

All patients got an improved quality of life and could eat at least semisolid food. All the patients were followed until they died. The median survival time after the procedure was 6.4 (range 0.5 to 23) months. In 1 patient stenting was complicated by perforation leading to death 2 weeks later. In another patient the stent migrated during the initial placement, but a secondary stent could be placed during the same procedure. Due to a long duodenal stenosis 2 patients got 2 stents under the primary procedure. During the follow-up period, 6 patients had supplementary gastroduodenal stents placed. Nine patients had biliary stents placed before the placement of the gastroduodenal stents, 2 after.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that endoscopic stenting for disabling symptoms due to gastroduodenal obstruction from non curable malignant disease, gives good symptomatic improvement with only few complications.

Surgical bypass versus endoscopic stenting for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction: a decision analysis

The treatment options for palliating malignant gastroduodenal obstruction include open gastrojejunostomy (OGJ), laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy (LGJ), and endoscopic stenting (ES). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and costs among ES, OGJ, and LGJ in patients who present with gastroduodenal obstruction from advanced upper gastrointestinal tract cancer. We designed a model for patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. We analyzed success rates, complication rates and costs of the three treatment modalities: ES, OGJ, and LGJ. Baseline outcomes and costs were based on published reports. Success was defined as no major procedure-related and long-term complications over a 1-month period. Failure of therapy was defined as recurrent symptoms or death due to a procedural complication. Sensitivity analyses and cost-effectiveness analyses for the various strategies were performed. ES resulted in the lowest mortality rate and the lowest cost of the three treatment options analyzed. Mortality in the OGJ group was 2.1 times that in the ES cohort and 1.8 times that in the LGJ cohort. Sensitivity analyses confirmed ES as the dominant strategy. In conclusion, ES is the preferred treatment for palliation of duodenal obstruction due to advanced upper gastrointestinal tract cancer.

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

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Laparoscopic gastric bypass for relief of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is feasible and safe. However, comparative data to confirm the benefits of the laparoscopic approach remain scarce.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2003, 26 patients underwent 15 laparoscopic (surgeon A) and 12 open (surgeon B) gastrojejunostomies (GJs) for GOO. The indications for surgery included malignant (n = 17) and benign (n = 10) diseases.

RESULTS

There were no conversions to open surgery in the laparoscopic group, and no operative mortality occurred in either group. The groups were comparable for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, frequencies of previous abdominal surgery and of malignant or benign disease, and type of GJ fashioned. There were no differences between the laparoscopic and open groups with regard to the operating time (median, 90 vs 111 min; P = 0.113), and patients receiving intraoperative blood transfusion. However, laparoscopic surgery was associated with significantly shorter durations of postoperative intravenous hydration (60 vs 234 h; P = 0.001), opiate analgesia (49 vs 128 h; P = 0.025), and hospital stay (3 vs 15 days; P = 0.005). Operative morbidity occurred more frequently following open surgery (33% vs 13%; P = 0.219).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic GJ for the relief of GOO is associated with a smoother and more rapid postoperative recovery and shorter hospital stay compared with open surgery. In experienced hands, the laparoscopic approach to GJ should become the new gold standard.

Palliative biliary stents for obstructing pancreatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Palliative endoscopic stents or surgical by-pass are often required for inoperable pancreatic carcinoma to relieve symptomatic obstruction of the distal biliary tree. The optimal method of intervention remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To compare surgery, metal endoscopic stents and plastic endoscopic stents in the relief of distal biliary obstruction in patients with inoperable pancreatic carcinoma.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the databases of the Cochrane Upper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Group specialised register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CancerLit, Current Concepts Database and BIDS (September 2002 to September 2004). The searches were re-run in December 2005 and we are awaiting further details on two trials. Reference lists of articles and published abstracts from UEGW and DDW were hand-searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing surgery to endoscopic stenting, endoscopic metal stents to plastic stents, and different types of endoscopic plastic and metal stents, used to relieve obstruction of the distal bile duct in patients with inoperable pancreatic carcinoma.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Adverse effects information was collected from the trials.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-one trials involving 1,454 people were included. Based on meta-analysis, endoscopic stenting with plastic stents appears to be associated with a reduced risk of complications (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45 - 0.81), but with higher risk of recurrent biliary obstruction prior to death (RR 18.59, 95% CI 5.33 - 64.86) when compared with surgery. There was a trend towards higher 30-day mortality in the surgical group (p=0.07, RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.32, 1.04). There was no evidence of a difference in technical or therapeutic success. Other outcomes were not suitable for meta-analysis. No trials comparing endoscopic metal stents to surgery were identified. In endoscopic stent comparisons, metal biliary stents appear to have a lower risk of recurrent biliary obstruction than plastic stents (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.39 - 0.69). There was no significant statistical difference in technical success, therapeutic success, complications or 30-day mortality using meta-analysis. A narrative review of studies of the cost-effectiveness of metal stents drew conflicting conclusions, but results may be dependent on the patients' length of survival.Neither Teflon, hydrourethane, or hydrophilic coating appear to improve the patency of plastic stents above polyethylene in the trials reviewed. Only perflouro alkoxy plastic stents had superior outcome to polyethylene stents in one trial. The single eligible trial comparing types of metal stents reported higher patency with covered stents, but also a higher risk of complications. These results are based on review of the trials individual results only.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic metal stents are the intervention of choice at present in patients with malignant distal obstructive jaundice due to pancreatic carcinoma. In patients with short predicted survival, their patency benefits over plastic stents may not be realised. Further RCTs are needed to determine the optimal stent type for these patients.

Palliative surgery for unresectable pancreatic and periampullary cancer: a reappraisal

This study aimed to reappraise short-term and long-term results of palliative biliary and gastric bypass surgery in patients with unresectable pancreatic head carcinoma found at explorative laparotomy. We retrospectively analyzed 83 consecutive patients whose pancreatic head carcinoma appeared unresectable at laparotomy (vascular involvement [57%], liver metastases [24%], distant metastatic lymph nodes [11%], peritoneal implants [8%]) and who underwent palliative surgical concomitant biliary and gastric bypass. Postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were 4.8% and 26.5%, respectively. Postoperative-delayed gastric emptying occurred in 9 patients (10%). Antecolic (46%) and retrocolic (54%) gastrojejunostomies did not differ for the duration of nasogastric suction, the delay of oral intake, and the incidence of delayed gastric emptying. Mean hospital stay was 16 +/- 8 days. Median survival was 9 months (range 1-44). Late cholangitis occurred in 2 patients (2.4%) treated medically. One recurrent jaundice required transhepatic stenting 9 months from surgery. Four late gastric outlet obstructions occurred (4.8%) with a mean delay of 8 months from surgery. These data demonstrate that, in patients with unresectable pancreatic head carcinoma at laparotomy, palliative concomitant biliary and gastric bypass in a single procedure is safe and long-term efficient. This strategy remains to be compared to endoscopic palliation in this setting.

Palliative biliary stents for obstructing pancreatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Palliative endoscopic stents or surgical by-pass are often required for inoperable pancreatic carcinoma to relieve symptomatic obstruction of the distal biliary tree. The optimal method of intervention remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To compare surgery, metal endoscopic stents and plastic endoscopic stents in the relief of distal biliary obstruction in patients with inoperable pancreatic carcinoma.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the databases of the Cochrane Upper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Group specialised register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials , MEDLINE, EMBASE, CancerLit, Current Concepts Database and BIDS (September 2002 to September 2004). Reference lists of articles and published abstracts from UEGW and DDW were hand-searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing surgery to endoscopic stenting, endoscopic metal stents to plastic stents, and different types of endoscopic plastic and metal stents, used to relieve obstruction of the distal bile duct in patients with inoperable pancreatic carcinoma.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Adverse effects information was collected from the trials.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-one trials involving 1,454 people were included. Based on meta-analysis, endoscopic stenting with plastic stents appears to be associated with a reduced risk of complications (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45 - 0.81), but with higher risk of recurrent biliary obstruction prior to death (RR 18.59, 95% CI 5.33 - 64.86) when compared with surgery. There was a trend towards higher 30-day mortality in the surgical group (p=0.07, RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.32, 1.04). There was no evidence of a difference in technical or therapeutic success. Other outcomes were not suitable for meta-analysis. No trials comparing endoscopic metal stents to surgery were identified. In endoscopic stent comparisons, metal biliary stents appear to have a lower risk of recurrent biliary obstruction than plastic stents (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.39 - 0.69). There was no significant statistical difference in technical success, therapeutic success, complications or 30-day mortality using meta-analysis. A narrative review of studies of the cost-effectiveness of metal stents drew conflicting conclusions, but results may be dependent on the patients' length of survival. Neither Teflon, hydrourethane, or hydrophilic coating appear to improve the patency of plastic stents above polyethylene in the trials reviewed. Only perflouro alkoxy plastic stents had superior outcome to polyethylene stents in one trial. The single eligible trial comparing types of metal stents reported higher patency with covered stents, but also a higher risk of complications. These results are based on review of the trials individual results only.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic metal stents are the intervention of choice at present in patients with malignant distal obstructive jaundice due to pancreatic carcinoma. In patients with short predicted survival, their patency benefits over plastic stents may not be realised. Further RCTs are needed to determine the optimal stent type for these patients.

Combined endoscopic and laparoscopic ultrasound as preoperative assessment of patients with pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

An accurate pre-therapeutic assessment of the resectability in pancreatic cancer patients is essential to reduce the number of futile surgical explorations. The aim of this study was to assess the combination of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) regarding the detection of patients with non-resectable tumours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2002 to 2004, 179 consecutive patients with pancreatic cancer referred for surgical treatment were eligible. Thirty-one (17%) patients were excluded due to co-morbidity and poor performance status. Two patients (1%) were excluded due to metastasis seen on CT scans prior to referral. Thus, 146 patients entered the study. Patients were first examined with EUS followed by LUS, if EUS found no signs of non-resectability. Only patients with tumours found to be resectable or possibly resectable at EUS and LUS were offered surgical treatment. Resectability criteria were defined prior to the study.

RESULTS

In all, 108 (74%) patients had non-resectable tumours by the pre-defined criteria. EUS identified 68 (63%) patients and LUS identified an additional 26 (24%) patients. Thus, a total of 94 (87%) patients were non-resectable at either EUS or LUS. Fifty-two (36%) patients underwent surgery. Six patients had surgical exploration and three patients had palliative surgery. Forty-three patients (29%) were resected with curative intention, of whom 38 (88%) had an R0 resection and 5 (12%) had a palliative resection.

DISCUSSION

The combination of EUS and LUS is accurate in identifying the non-resectable patients and has a high predictive value for complete resection.

An analysis of cost and clinical outcome in palliation for advanced pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

The optimal palliative method for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer remains controversial.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review evaluated patients who underwent exploration for presumed resectable pancreatic cancer. Cost-based analysis was performed using relative value units (RVUs) that included the initial surgical procedure and any additional procedure required to achieve satisfactory palliation.

RESULTS

Of 96 patients (1993--2002), 6% had biliary bypass, 42% had duodenal bypass, 40% had double bypass, and 13% had no procedure with equivalent clinical outcomes. If biliary bypass was not initially performed, there was a significant incidence of biliary complications before definitive endoscopic stenting (P=.01). If duodenal bypass was not initially performed, 11% developed duodenal obstruction (P=.04). Total RVUs was highest for a double bypass and lowest for no initial surgical palliative procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Although surgical bypass procedures at initial exploration provide durable palliation, these procedures are associated with greater costs.

Current status of laparoscopic biliary bypass in the management of non-resectable peri-ampullary cancer

BACKGROUND

In patients with non-resectable peri-ampullary cancer, optimization of quality of life is an important goal. Although endoscopic palliation is widely used, the proponents of laparoscopic biliary bypass claim that this procedure alters management towards surgery. However, the evidence base for selection of laparoscopic bypass is limited and the aim of this report is to scrutinize the available evidence in order to assess the current role of this procedure.

METHODS

A computerised literature search was made of the Medline database for the period from January 1966 to December 2004. Searches identified 12 reports of laparoscopic palliation for peri-ampullary cancer. These reports were retrieved and data analysed in the following categories: type of bypass; combination with other procedures; complication and outcome.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic cholecystoenterostomy is the commonest form of laparoscopic biliary bypass practiced. Of the 52 reported cases undergoing laparoscopic biliary bypass, 40 underwent laparoscopic cholecystojejunostomy, 6 laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy and 6 underwent laparoscopic hepaticoje- junostomy.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence does not justify the incorporation of laparoscopic biliary bypass techniques into contemporary evidence-based management algorithms for patients with non-resectable periampullary cancer.

Biliary and pancreatic stents

The use of biliary and pancreatic stents has increased significantly during the last 2 decades because of improvements in available endoscopes and endoscopic accessories, as well as better techniques. The number of endoscopists who can successfully complete these demanding procedures has also increased, as have the indications for stent therapy in biliary and pancreatic diseases. Stents are now made in various shapes and configurations from different types of polymers (plastics), various expandable metallic alloys, and bioabsorbable materials. Most of the available data relate to plastic and metallic stents for biliary tract disease; the data for pancreatic disease are fewer and involve a smaller number of patients. This article reviews the most recent available data concerning biliary and pancreatic stents and discusses possible future developments. It does not attempt to cover all data reported in biliopancreatic stent therapy.