Endoscopic approaches for palliation of luminal gastrointestinal obstruction

Gastrointestinal Luminal Stenting: The Early US Experience with the Duodenal HANAROSTENT

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) are frequently utilized for palliation of malignant gastric and/or duodenal outlet obstruction (GDOO). Re-establishing luminal patency with accurate SEMS positioning while limiting migration and adjacent tissue injury is an important technical consideration and aim. The duodenal HANAROSTENT^® was introduced in the USA in 2019 and developed with these challenges in mind. As the first center in the USA to deploy the duo-denal HANAROSTENT^® in clinical practice, we herein examine our early experience with its use. Specifically, we describe 7 consecutive cases of malignant GDOO in which a duodenal HANAROSTENT^® was placed for on-label use, defined as palliative treatment of malignant gastric and/or duodenal obstruction. All stents were 22 mm in diameter, with 5 being 90 mm and 2 being 120 mm in length. Technical and clinical success with duodenal HANAROSTENT^® placement were achieved in all 7 cases (100%). In no case was stent adjustment required post-deployment. There were no stent-related adverse events, and no subsequent endoscopic procedures were necessary in any of the patients during a mean follow-up of 5 months (range 1-12 months). In summary, the duodenal HANAROSTENT^® appears to perform well and be a promising alternative to other available duodenal SEMSs. As experience in the USA with this newly introduced duodenal SEMS grows, multicenter prospective data should be collected to better establish its relative safety and efficacy.

Clinical Outcomes of Upper Gastrointestinal Stents and Review of Current Literature

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is an alternative for several possible surgical and palliative treatments of upper gastrointestinal obstructions that occur in several disease states. The present study was performed to describe a single-center experience with upper gastrointestinal stents.

METHODS

All patients at a single center who had an SEMS placed for the treatment of obstruction over a 3-year period were retrospectively evaluated. Pre- and postoperative dysphagia scoring was calculated and used to evaluate postprocedure improvement in quality of life. Procedural success and early and late complication rates were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 171 endoscopic procedures were performed in 73 patients. Procedural success was 95.8% (n = 69) and dilatation was performed in 80 patients. The rate of perioperative complication was 26% (n = 19). After 1 month, stents were patent in all patients (n = 73). Stent obstruction was noted in 6 patients: 2 each at 2, 7, and 10 months.

CONCLUSION

SEMS usage for palliative and curative purposes in benign or malignant upper gastrointestinal system obstructions is an efficient and reliable treatment method with advantages, such as shortening hospital stay, decreased pain, cost-effectiveness, and low mortality-morbidity rates when compared to surgical procedures, and a high rate of clinical success.

Palliative Therapy for Gastric Outlet Obstruction Caused by Unresectable Gastric Cancer: A Meta-analysis Comparison of Gastrojejunostomy with Endoscopic Stenting

Background:

Gastrojejunostomy (GJJ) and endoscopic stenting (ES) are palliative treatments for gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) caused by gastric cancer. We compared the outcomes of GJJ with ES by performing a meta-analysis.

Methods:

Clinical trials that compared GJJ with ES for the treatment of GOO in gastric cancer were included in the meta-analysis. Procedure time, time to resumption of oral intake, duration of hospital stay, patency duration, and overall survival days were compared using weighted mean differences (WMDs). Technical success, clinical success, procedure-related mortality, complications, the rate of re-obstruction, postoperative chemotherapy, and reintervention were compared using odds ratios (ORs).

Results:

Nine studies were included in the analysis. Technical success and clinical success were not significantly different between the ES and GJJ groups. The ES group had a shorter procedure time (WMD = −80.89 min, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −93.99 to −67.78, P < 0.001), faster resumption of oral intake (WMD = −3.45 days, 95% CI = –5.25 to −1.65, P < 0.001), and shorter duration of hospital stay (WMD = −7.67 days, 95% CI = −11.02 to −4.33, P < 0.001). The rate of minor complications was significantly higher in the GJJ group (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.04–0.40, P < 0.001). However, the rates of major complications (OR = 6.91, 95% CI = 3.90–12.25, P < 0.001), re-obstruction (OR= 7.75, 95% CI = 4.06–14.78, P < 0.001), and reintervention (OR= 6.27, 95% CI = 3.36–11.68, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the GJJ group than that in the ES group. Moreover, GJJ was significantly associated with a longer patency duration (WMD = −167.16 days, 95% CI = −254.01 to −89.31, P < 0.001) and overall survival (WMD = −103.20 days, 95% CI = −161.49 to −44.91, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Both GJJ and ES are effective procedures for the treatment of GOO caused by gastric cancer. ES is associated with better short-term outcomes. GJJ is preferable to ES in terms of its lower rate of stent-related complications, re-obstruction, and reintervention. GJJ should be considered a treatment option for patients with a long life expectancy and good performance status.

Additional gastroduodenal stent placement: retrospective evaluation of 68 consecutive patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstruction

BACKGROUND

Self-expandable metallic stent placement is widely used to manage malignant gastroduodenal obstructions. However, the techniques and effectiveness of additional gastroduodenal stent placement have not been evaluated until now.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the technical feasibility, clinical effectiveness, and complications of additional gastroduodenal stent placement in patients with recurrent obstructive symptoms after primary gastroduodenal stenting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 68 consecutive patients who had additional gastroduodenal stents placed for recurrent obstruction. Clinical effectiveness was assessed using technical and clinical success rates, gastric outlet obstruction score improvement after primary and additional stent placement, and complications.

RESULTS

Additional stent placement was technically successful in 66 of the 68 patients (97%) and symptomatic improvement was achieved in 58 (85%). The gastric outlet obstruction score improved after primary stent placement (0.3 to 1.4) and additional stent placement (0.2 to 1.4). Complications occurred in 12 of 68 patients (18%) and were caused by tumor overgrowth (n = 7), stent collapse (n = 2), food impaction (n = 1), jaundice (n = 1), and duodenal perforation (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

Additional gastroduodenal stent placement is technically feasible and clinically effective for patients with recurrent gastric outlet obstruction after stent placement.

Postchemotherapy expulsion of oesophageal endoluminal stent with vomiting: a rare occurrence

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are currently the most widely used modality for palliation of dysphagia from oesophageal malignancy. However, placement of SEMS is associated with a number of complications. We report a rare late complication of SEMS placed for relief of malignant dysphagia (Locally advanced Carcinoma mid-esophagus) in a 65-year-old man. SEMS was expelled out intact with vomiting following complete response to disease after three cycles of chemotherapy. Check on endoscopy done the day after, patient's growth had shown partial response to chemotherapy with scope easily negotiable upto Gastroesophageal junction with area of scarring and healed ulceration and stent imprint on the oesophageal wall. Partial response of the disease to chemotherapy and lack of expected fibrosis between stent and oesophageal wall resulted in loss of scaffolding for the stent and its subsequent expulsion in vomiting and relief in patient's dysphagia.

Enteral stents for malignant gastric outlet obstruction

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a commonly encountered entity, defined as the inability of the stomach to empty because of mechanical obstruction at the level of either the stomach or the proximal small bowel. In this article, current literature on GOO is reviewed with a focus on enteral stents to include symptoms and diagnosis, stent and nonstent treatment, types of enteral stents, indications and contraindications to stent placement, and technical and clinical success rates. In comparison with gastrojejunostomy, enteral stent placement is better suited for patients with a shorter life expectancy and/or those who are poor surgical candidates.

Clinical outcomes of self-expandable metal stent and prognostic factors for stent patency in gastric outlet obstruction caused by gastric cancer

The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes of endoscopic stenting for a gastric outlet obstruction caused by gastric cancer and the prognostic factors for stent patency by reviewing medical records. Eighty-one stents were inserted into 75 patients (48 men, average age 66 years). The technical and clinical success rates were 98 and 87%, respectively. The median stent patency was 55 days (95% CI 40-70 days). The median survival was 79 days (95% CI 58-123 days). Stent reobstruction caused by tumor ingrowth or overgrowth occurred in 25 cases (31%). Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that covered stents (odds ratio 0.29, 95% CI 0.11-0.76; P = 0.01) and chemotherapy after stent placement (odds ratio 0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.91; P = 0.03) were significant prognostic factors for stent patency. This study found that endoscopic stenting is a safe and effective palliation treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction and a covered stent and chemotherapy are significant prognostic factors for stent patency.

Clinical outcomes of self-expandable metal stents in palliation of malignant anastomotic strictures caused by recurrent gastric cancer

AIM: To examine the technical feasibility and clinical outcomes of the endoscopic insertion of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) for the palliation of a malignant anastomotic stricture caused by recurrent gastric cancer.

METHODS: The medical records of patients, who had obstructive symptoms caused by a malignant anastomotic stricture after gastric surgery and underwent endoscopic insertion of a SEMS from January 2001 to December 2007 at Kangnam St Mary’s Hospital, were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS: Twenty patients (15 male, mean age 63 years) were included. The operations were a total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy (n = 12), subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-I reconstruction (n = 2) and subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-II reconstruction (n = 8). The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 70%, respectively. A small bowel or colon stricture was the reason for a lack of improvement in symptoms in 4 patients. Two of these patients showed improvement in symptoms after another stent was placed. Stent reobstruction caused by tumor ingrowth or overgrowth occurred in 3 patients (15%) within 1 mo after stenting. Stent migration occurred with a covered stent in 3 patients who underwent a subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-II reconstruction. Two cases of partial stent migration were easily treated with a second stent or stent repositioning. The median stent patency was 56 d (range, 5-439 d). The median survival was 83 d (range, 12-439 d).

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic insertion of a SEMS provides safe and effective palliation of a recurrent anastomotic stricture caused by gastric cancer. A meticulous evaluation of the presence of other strictures before inserting the stent is essential for symptom improvement.

Outcome of palliative esophageal stenting for malignant dysphagia: a retrospective analysis

Greater than 50% of patients with esophageal carcinoma are found to be incurable at the time of diagnosis, leaving only palliative options. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMs) are effective for relieving symptoms and complications associated with esophageal carcinoma and improving quality of life. We undertook a retrospective analysis to evaluate the experience of palliative esophageal stenting for symptomatic malignant dysphagia in our institution over a period of 7 years. Between January 1999 and January 2006, 126 patients who received SEMs for malignant dysphagia were identified using an upper gastrointestinal specialist nurse clinician database. Data were obtained from patient case notes, endoscopy, histopathology, radiology, and external agency databases. Of the 126 identified, 36 patients were excluded from the analysis. A number of variables including age, sex, presenting complaints, type of stent, indications of stenting, success or failure of stent insertion, survival rate, and complication rate were analyzed. Of the 90 patients, 55 (61%) were male and 35 (39%) were female. The mean age of patients was 70.79 (range 40-97) years. The predominant presenting complaints were dysphagia (n = 81) and weight loss (n = 48). The indication for stenting was worsening dysphagia in all patients. Tumors were confined to the distal esophagus and esophagogastric junction in 73 patients (81%), and the mid-esophagus in 17 (19%). Adenocarcinoma was identified in 61 patients (67.8%) and squamous cell carcinoma in 29 (32.2%). Stenting numbers were comparable in endoscopic and radiologic groups (47 vs. 43), with successful stent deployment in 89 patients. The 7- and 30-day mortality was 9% (n = 8) and 28% (n = 25), respectively. Comparable numbers of early deaths were seen in both radiologic (n = 13) and endoscopic (n = 12) groups. Causes of early inpatient death included hemorrhage (n = 5), pneumonia (n = 7), exhaustion (n = 2), cardiac causes (n = 3), perforation (n = 1), and sepsis (n = 1). The number of patients with complications was 41 (45.6%), 25 in the surgical group and 15 in the radiologic group; the difference was not significant (P = 0.13). The mean survival time was 92.5 (0-638) days and median survival time was 61 days. A subgroup of patients with complete dysphagia (score 4) gained a mean survival of 59 days. Those patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy survived significantly longer than those receiving stenting alone (152.8 days vs. 71.8 days). There is no significant difference in complications or survival when using endoscopic or radiologic methods to deploy SEMs in patients with inoperable esophageal cancer. Mortality is low; however, the morbidity rate is significant. Patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy, in addition to stenting, survived significantly longer than those with a stent only.

Combined Intestinal and Biliary Stenting in Gastric Outlet and Biliary Obstruction

Background

Combined intestinal and biliary stenting is one of the effective palliative methods for patients with malignant gastric outlet and biliary obstruction. This study was to evaluate the effect of combined intestinal and biliary stenting in the palliation of gastric outlet and biliary obstruction.

Methods

Thirty-two patients with malignant gastric outlet and biliary obstruction underwent combined intestinal and biliary stenting. Intestinal stents were implanted by means of endoscopy and X-ray guidance. The subsequent biliary stents were implanted by percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage. The biliary stent pass through the side hole of intestinal stent mesh and its distal segment was located in the lumen of intestinal stent.

Results

Thirty-four intestinal stents and 32 biliary stents for 32 patients were implanted successfully. No lethal complications occurred. The average survival was 164 days.

Conclusions

The combined intestinal and biliary stenting is an effective and safe method for palliation of gastric outlet and biliary obstructions. The short-term results are satisfactory.

WallFlex colonic stent placement for management of malignant colonic obstruction: a prospective study at two centers

BACKGROUND

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) can alleviate malignant colonic obstruction and avoid emergency decompressive surgery. The use of colonic larger-diameter SEMSs may improve bowel function and reduce migration risk.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel large-diameter SEMS (WallFlex) designed for delivery through the endoscope in treating malignant colonic obstruction.

DESIGN

Prospective clinical cohort study.

SETTING

Two Italian study centers.

PATIENTS

Forty-two consecutive patients with malignant colonic obstruction: 23 requiring palliation and 19 bridging to surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Colorectal SEMS placement.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Technical success, defined as accurate SEMS deployment across the stricture on the first attempt; clinical success, ie, complete relief of bowel obstruction without complications; and bridging to surgery, denoting the performance of elective one-stage surgery.

RESULTS

The rate of technical success was 93% (95% CI, 81%-99%) and of initial clinical success was 95% (95% CI, 84%-99%). In 58% (95% CI, 40%-84%) of the palliation group, clinical success was maintained after 6 months. All 19 patients with operable tumors were successfully bridged to one-stage elective surgery within a median of 5 days. One perforation and one stent migration occurred. All complications could be resolved nonsurgically.

LIMITATIONS

No control group was included.

CONCLUSIONS

In a prospective study of through-the-scope WallFlex stent placement for malignant colonic obstruction, high rates of technical and initial clinical success, and bridging to surgery were achieved. Complications could be readily managed.

Operative colonoscopy in cancer patients

Gastrointestinal endoscopy has experienced tremendous developments in technology and equipment over the past decades. It is not only a diagnostic tool, but it also allows some interventional treatments in benign and malignant digestive diseases. Operative colonoscopy has been used to perform curative treatment of various kinds of polyps, flat and carpet-like adenomas and early colorectal carcinomas. Endoscopic palliative treatment strategies, such as the placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS), laser ablation, photodynamic therapy (PDT), argon plasma coagulation (APC), electrocoagulation, and injection therapy, have been proved to effectively alleviate advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) associated symptoms and maintain or improve the quality of the patient's remaining life.

Palliating Patients Who Have Unresectable Colorectal Cancer: Creating the Right Framework and Salient Symptom Management

The last phases of colorectal malignant illness may be the most challenging and saddening for all involved, but they offer opportunities to become the most rewarding. This transformation of hopelessness to fulfillment requires a willingness by surgeon, patient, and patient's family to trust one another to realistically set goals of care, stick together, and not let the treatment of the disease become a surrogate for treating the suffering that characterizes grave illness.