Safety and efficacy of coaxial lumen-apposing metal stents in the management of refractory gastrointestinal luminal strictures: a multicenter study

Creation of new anastomosis for management of obstructive symptoms related to gastrojejunal anastomosis in patients who undergo gastric bypass: a case series

Background and Aims

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with gastrojejunal (GJ) strictures in up to 20% of patients. Surgical revision of the GJ anastomosis is technically challenging and carries significant morbidity, making endoscopic therapies such as endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) and stent placement the preferred approach. In addition, the angulation of GJ anastomosis relative to the Roux limb can cause obstructive symptoms, which are less amenable to EBD or stent placement. In patients with refractory strictures and/or angulation, we evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new anastomosis EUS-guided gastroenterostomy as an alternative to surgical revision.

Methods

In patients with refractory GJ strictures and/or angulation, a new anastomosis EUS-guided gastroenterostomy between the gastric pouch and Roux limb is created.

Results

Our case series includes 6 patients with a history of RYGB referred for management of obstructive symptoms. Upper endoscopy revealed severe GJ stenosis in 2 patients, complete obliteration of GJ anastomosis in 1 patient, stenosis with angulation in 1 patient, and angulation only in 2 patients. Four patients underwent previous unsuccessful attempts at balloon dilation. Lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) placement was initially performed in 4 patients, resulting in resolution of symptoms. However, their symptoms recurred after LAMS removal. EUS-guided anastomosis between the gastric pouch and Roux limb was created successfully in all patients, with no major adverse events. One patient experienced LAMS migration after 54 days. Patients had complete resolution of symptoms after the new anastomosis anastomosis was created.

Conclusions

Our case series highlights the safety and feasibility of EUS-guided gastroenterostomy as an alternative to surgical revision in such patients. Large prospective studies with longer follow-up are needed to assess long-term outcomes of this intervention.

Safety and Efficacy of Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents for Management of Late Refractory Gastro-jejunal Strictures in Patients with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (with Video)

INTRODUCTION

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) related late gastro-jejunal (GJ) strictures are often resistant to endoscopic balloon dilations. Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) have been used to treat benign strictures with favorable results. However, the data remains limited to justify LAMS use for management of post-RYGB late GJ strictures. We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LAMS placement for the management of late GJ strictures that are refractory to balloon dilations in post-RYGB patients.

METHODS

This was a single center retrospective study that included all post-RYGB patients who underwent LAMS placement for management of late GJ strictures that had previously failed balloon dilations. Primary outcomes were technical and clinical success, and secondary outcomes were LAMS-related adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients underwent LAMS placement for management of GJ strictures. Median age was 60.5 (IQR 50.5, 67.0) years and majority were females (27, 96.4%). Median interval between surgery and first diagnosis of GJ stricture was 13 years (IQR 7, 17.5). 20 × 10 mm LAMS was the most used stent (n = 24, 85.7%). The median procedure time was 23.5 (IQR 14.5, 32.0) minutes. Technical and short-term clinical success of LAMS placement was 100% (95% CI 87.9-100.0). Long-term success was achieved in 19 out of 25 patients (76.0%, 95% CI 56.6-88.5) that had over 3 months follow-up after LAMS removal. Stent migration was noted in 2 (7.1%) patients, and 1 (3.6%) patient each experienced pain and minor bleeding without the need for additional interventions. No patient in our cohort required surgical revision of GJ anastomosis.

CONCLUSION

Placement of LAMS is safe, technically feasible, and associated with a high clinical success rate in patients with late GJ strictures after RYGB who have failed prior balloon dilations. Placement of LAMS can be considered early in patients requiring multiple balloon dilations.

Comparison of lumen-apposing metal stents versus endoscopic balloon dilation for the management of benign colorectal anastomotic strictures

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Limited data exist evaluating lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) with endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) for the treatment of benign colorectal anastomotic strictures (BCASs). This study compares outcomes of both interventions.

METHODS

Patients with left-sided BCAS treated with LAMSs versus EBD were identified retrospectively. The primary outcome was a composite of crossover to another intervention to achieve clinical success or recurrence requiring reintervention.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (11 LAMS and 18 EBD) were identified with longer follow-up in the EBD group (734 vs 142 days; P = .003). No significant differences were found in the composite outcome, technical success, clinical success, or components of composite outcome. With LAMS, there was a nonsignificant trend toward fewer procedures (2.4 vs 3.3; P = .06) and adverse events (0% vs 16.7%; P = .26).

CONCLUSIONS

LAMS appears to be as effective as EBD for the treatment of BCAS but may require fewer procedures and may be safer than EBD.

Long-term palliation of a malignant colonic anastomotic stricture using a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS)

Malignant recurrent colonic strictures at the anastomotic site are difficult to treat long term with traditional uncovered metal stents due to the location and risk for tumour ingrowth. We present a case with the use of a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) to successfully palliate a high-grade obstruction at an anastomotic site without recurrence of obstructive symptoms for 14 months.

Endoscopic Management of Surgical Complications of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, although highly effective, may lead to several surgical complications like ulceration, strictures, leaks, and fistulas. Newer endoscopic tools have emerged as safe and effective therapeutic options for these conditions. This article reviews post-bariatric surgery complications and the role of endoscopy in their management.

Clinical application and follow-up of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents for endoscopic ultrasonography-guided interventions

Aim: The lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is a new device that expands the scope of gastrointestinal intervention under endoscopy. LAMS was initially used for the treatment of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), but is increasingly being used off-label. The electrocautery system simplifies the deployment of LAMS, making it more suitable for off-label situations. The short-term results of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (ECE-LAMS) are satisfactory; however, the long-term follow-up results must be evaluated. The aim of this article is to review the expanded clinical application of ECE-LAMS, the clinical value of on-label and off-label use, and follow-up results.Methods: After searching in PubMed and Web of Science databases using 'electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents' and 'endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) -guided interventions' as keywords, studies related were compiled and examined.Results: ECE-LAMS are widely used for on-label and off-label situations. The short-term and long-term results of ECE-LAMS are satisfactory, but there are still some studies that do not agree with this viewpoint.Conclusion: The clinical application of ECE-LAMS is relatively safe and reliable but more well-designed randomized trials and prospective studies are needed to evaluate the impact of this technology on therapeutic EUS, to improve the safety and success rate of EUS-guided LAMS implantation, and to expand its application in other indications.

Efficacy of lumen-apposing metal stents for the management of benign gastrointestinal stricture: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) are an evolving option for the management of benign gastrointestinal (GI) strictures. Multiple studies have reported on the efficacy and safety of LAMS for benign GI strictures, but were limited by their small sample size. Hence, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the critical role of LAMS for the management of benign GI strictures.

METHODS

A literature search of various databases from inception until October 2022 was conducted for studies evaluating the outcome of LAMS in patients with benign GI strictures. The outcomes assessed included technical and clinical success, adverse events including stent migration, and reintervention. Pooled event rates across studies were expressed with summative statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies (527 patients) were included in the present analysis. The pooled event rates for technical, short-term and long-term clinical success were 99.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 99.1-100.0), 93.9% (95%CI 90.7-100.0), and 72.8% (95%CI 55.7-90.0), respectively. The pooled incidence of adverse events and stent migration with LAMS for benign GI strictures was 13.5% (95%CI 8.6-18.5) and 10.6% (95%CI 6.0-15.2), respectively. The pooled event rate for reintervention with LAMS for GI strictures was 23.0% (95%CI 15.7-30.3). In a subgroup analysis focusing only on anastomotic strictures there was no significant difference in the pooled event rates for various outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

LAMS have a high technical and short-term clinical success rate, with an acceptable safety profile for the management of benign GI strictures. Further studies are needed to determine the appropriate duration of stent therapy and long-term outcomes.

Lumen-apposing metal stents for the treatment of benign gastrointestinal tract strictures: a single-center experience and proposed treatment algorithm

BACKGROUND

Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) are an alternative therapeutic option for benign gastrointestinal (GI) tract strictures. Our study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LAMS for the management of benign GI strictures.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent a LAMS placement for benign luminal GI strictures at a tertiary care center between January 2014 and July 2021 were reviewed. Primary outcomes included technical success, early clinical success, and adverse events (AEs). Other outcomes included rates of stent migration and re-intervention after LAMS removal.

RESULTS

One hundred and nine patients who underwent 128 LAMS placements (67.9% female, mean age of 54.3 ± 14.2 years) were included, and 70.6% of the patients had failed prior endoscopic treatments. The majority of strictures (83.5%) were anastomotic, and the most common stricture site was the gastrojejunal anastomosis (65.9%). Technical success was achieved in 100% of procedures, while early clinical success was achieved in 98.4%. The overall stent-related AE rate was 25%. The migration rate was 27.3% (35/128). Of these, five stents were successfully repositioned endoscopically. The median stent dwell time was 119 days [interquartile range (IQR) 68-189 days], and the median follow-up duration was 668.5 days [IQR: 285.5-1441.5 days]. The re-intervention rate after LAMS removal was 58.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

LAMS is an effective therapeutic option for benign GI strictures, offering high technical and early clinical success. However, the re-intervention rate after LAMS removal was high. In select cases, using LAMS placement as destination therapy with close surveillance is a reasonable option.

Endoscopic management of severe colo-colonic anastomotic stricture

Video 1A therapeutic approach: endoscopic management of severe colo-colonic anastomotic stricture.

Short benign ileocolonic anastomotic strictures - management with bi-flanged metal stents: Six case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND

The endoscopic management of benign short post-anastomotic ileocolonic stricture (PAICS) that is refractory to primary and secondary treatment modalities remains challenging. The lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is a novel device recently developed for therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy. LAMSs have demonstrated significantly better results with regard to stent migration than fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs).

CASE SUMMARY

This article presents six cases of symptomatic PAICS successfully treated with a LAMS and a review of the relevant literature. We report a life-saving technique not previously documented and the use of technology to improve patient outcomes. The six patients (median age, 75 years) suffered from vomiting, constipation and recurrent abdominal pain, with symptoms starting 23-25 wk post-surgery. The median stricture length was 1.83 cm. All six patients underwent successful and uneventful bi-flanged metal stent (BFMS)-LAMS placement for benign PAICS. All patients remained asymptomatic during the three months of stent indwelling and up to a median of 7 mo after stent removal. According to the literature, the application of LAMS for PAICS is associated with a < 10% risk of migration and a < 5% risk of bleeding. Conversely, FCSEMS has a high migration rate (15%-50%).

CONCLUSION

The evolving role of interventional endoscopy and the availability of LAMSs provide patients with minimally invasive treatment options, allowing them to avoid more invasive surgical interventions. The BFMS (NAGI stent) is longer and larger than the prototype AXIOS-LAMS, which should be considered in the management of short ileocolonic post-anastomotic strictures longer than 10 mm and shorter than 30 mm.

Status of bariatric endoscopy-what does the surgeon need to know? A review

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease with a variety of potential treatment options available. Currently, there are several multidisciplinary therapeutic options for its management, including conservative, endoscopic, and surgical treatment.

AIM

To clarify indications, technical aspects, and outcomes of bariatric endoscopy.

METHODS

Narrative review of current literature based on electronic databases including MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, and SciELO.

RESULTS

Bariatric endoscopy is in constant development and comprises primary and revisional treatment options as well as management of surgical complications. Various devices act upon different mechanisms of action, which may be individualized to each patient. Despite favorable results for the endoscopic treatment of obesity, prospective randomized studies with long-term follow-up are required to fully validate primary and revisional endoscopic therapies. Regarding the management of bariatric surgery complications, endoscopic therapy may be considered the procedure of choice in a variety of situations. Still, as there is no standardized algorithm, local experience should be considered in decision-making.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of patients with obesity is complex, and a multidisciplinary approach is essential. Bariatric endoscopy has shown impressive results both in the treatment of obesity and its surgical complications, and therefore, must be part of the armamentarium in the fight against this disease.

Novel Uses of Lumen-apposing Metal Stents: A Review of the Literature

The field of therapeutic endoscopy has seen many recent advancements. One such emerging field is the use of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS). Although a few LAMS have been developed, the most commonly reviewed and the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved LAMS is the Axios stent by Boston Scientific. In 2013, LAMS were initially approved by the FDA for the management of pancreatic fluid collection drainage in the presence walled-off necrosis. Pancreatic fluid collections are traditionally drained with either a plastic stent or a covered biliary self-expanding metal stent. Plastic stents have a double pigtail feature which prevents stent migration. However, their narrow lumen poses limitations as it can lead to early stent occlusion. Fully covered metal stents have larger diameters, allowing improved drainage and decreased stent occlusion but their tubular shape is prone to migration. Consequently, this results in leakage, and frequent retrievals. Over the years, due to their versatility, LAMS now have many off label uses. This includes management of gastric outlet obstruction, superior mesenteric artery syndrome, strictures, gallbladder drainage, and postsurgical collection drainage. In this review, we will be discussing the FDA approved and the nonapproved uses of LAMS.

Endoscopic Gastrointestinal Anastomosis Using Lumen-apposing Metal Stent (LAMS) for Benign or Malignant Etiologies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis using lumen-apposing metal stents (EGAL) is a new technique that is used as an alternative method to bypass benign or malignant strictures. Endoscopists take advantage of 2 bowel loops that are close to each other and place a stent between the lumen of these 2 bowel loops. The authors performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this rising procedure.

METHODS

Electronic database searches were conducted for full eligible articles that were published from the inception to July 2019 using the EGAL procedure to bypass malignant or benign obstruction or to restore bowel integrity after a gastrointestinal altering surgery. The primary outcome of this meta-analysis was to assess efficacy through technical and clinical success. Secondary outcomes were to assess safety through adverse events and to assess the rate of stent maldeployment and the rate of reintervention during the study period.

RESULTS

Eight studies were eligible, providing data on 269 patients who underwent 271 EGAL procedures. The median age was 65 years (interquartile range: 63 to 66) with 46% male individuals. Out of 269 patients, 203 underwent EGALs because of malignant etiology and 66 underwent EGAL for benign etiology. The median duration of follow-up was 114 days (interquartile range: 78 to 121). Technical success rate was 94.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 91.4%-96.9%]. Clinical success rate was 91.4% (95% CI, 88.1%-94.7%). Adverse events rate was 8.5% (95% CI, 4.7%-12.3%). Stent maldeployment rate was 9.5% (95% CI, 3.5%-15.4%) of the total performed EGALs and the reintervention rate was 6.0% (95% CI, 2.3%-9.8%).

CONCLUSION

EGAL procedure has high efficacy and a relatively safe profile and it can be performed in selected patients. Comparison between EGAL and other conventional therapies is difficult because of the lack of randomized trials.

Esophageal stenting for benign and malignant disease: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline - Update 2021

MALIGNANT DISEASE

1: ESGE recommends placement of partially or fully covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) for palliation of malignant dysphagia over laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and esophageal bypass.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 2 : ESGE recommends brachytherapy as a valid alternative, alone or in addition to stenting, in esophageal cancer patients with malignant dysphagia and expected longer life expectancy.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 3: ESGE recommends esophageal SEMS placement for sealing malignant tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistulas. Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 4 : ESGE does not recommend SEMS placement as a bridge to surgery or before preoperative chemoradiotherapy because it is associated with a high incidence of adverse events. Other options such as feeding tube placement are preferable. Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

BENIGN DISEASE

5: ESGE recommends against the use of SEMSs as first-line therapy for the management of benign esophageal strictures because of the potential for adverse events, the availability of alternative therapies, and their cost. Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 6: ESGE suggests consideration of temporary placement of self-expandable stents for refractory benign esophageal strictures. Weak recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 7: ESGE suggests that fully covered SEMSs be preferred over partially covered SEMSs for the treatment of refractory benign esophageal strictures because of their very low risk of embedment and ease of removability. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 8: ESGE recommends the stent-in-stent technique to remove partially covered SEMSs that are embedded in the esophageal wall. Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 9: ESGE recommends that temporary stent placement can be considered for the treatment of leaks, fistulas, and perforations. No specific type of stent can be recommended, and the duration of stenting should be individualized. Strong recommendation, low quality of evidence. 10 : ESGE recommends considering placement of a fully covered large-diameter SEMS for the treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding refractory to medical, endoscopic, and/or radiological therapy, or as initial therapy for patients with massive bleeding. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.

The Off-Label Use of a Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent (LAMS) for a Benign Colon Anastomotic Stricture Causing Recurrent Bowel Obstruction in a Patient with Keloids

Anastomotic strictures are a known complication of colorectal surgery. Despite a wide range of medical devices that have been deployed for this complication, outcomes remain challenging. Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) have recently emerged as a potentially superior therapeutic option. We herein report a patient with a past medical history of pT3, N0 adenocarcinoma of the colon with anastomotic stricture recurrence who underwent successful placement of an LAMS. We suggest that patients with a predisposition for keloid formation or fibrosis-prone anastomotic wound healing should be considered for LAMS deployment early in the treatment course.

ASGE guideline on the role of endoscopy in the management of benign and malignant gastroduodenal obstruction

This American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the endoscopic management of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). We applied the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology to address key clinical questions. These include the comparison of (1) surgical gastrojejunostomy to the placement of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) for malignant GOO, (2) covered versus uncovered SEMS for malignant GOO, and (3) endoscopic and surgical interventions for the management of benign GOO. Recommendations provided in this document were founded on the certainty of the evidence, balance of benefits and harms, considerations of patient and caregiver preferences, resource utilization, and cost-effectiveness.

Luminal-apposing stents for benign intraluminal strictures: a large United States multicenter study of clinical outcomes

Background

The use of fully covered lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) for benign short gastrointestinal (GI) strictures has been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LAMS for refractory GI strictures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients who underwent LAMS placement for benign GI strictures in 8 United States centers. The primary outcomes were technical success and initial clinical response. Secondary outcomes were reintervention rate and adverse events.

Results

A total of 51 patients underwent 61 LAMS placement procedures; 33 (64.7%) had failed previous treatments. The most common stricture location was the pylorus (n=17 patients). Various sizes of stents were used, with 15-mm LAMS placed in 45 procedures, 20-mm LAMS in 14 procedures, and 10-mm LAMS in 2 procedures. The overall technical success, short-term clinical response and reintervention rate after stent removal were 100%, 91.8% and 31.1%, respectively. Adverse events were reported in 17 (27.9%) procedures, with stent migration being the most common (13.1%). In subgroup analysis, both 15 mm and 20 mm stents had comparable short-term clinical response and adverse event rates. However, stent migration (15.6%) was the most common adverse event with 15-mm LAMS while pain (14.3%) was the most common with 20-mm LAMS. The reintervention rate was 80% at 200-day follow up after stent removal.

Conclusions

Using LAMS for treatment of short benign GI strictures is safe and effective. Larger LAMS, such as the new 20 mm in diameter, may have a lower stent migration rate compared to smaller diameter LAMS.

Endoscopic devices and techniques for the management of bariatric surgical adverse events (with videos)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, increasing numbers of patients undergo bariatric surgery. Management of adverse events of bariatric surgery may be challenging and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Endoscopic intervention is often the first line of therapy for management of these adverse events. This document reviews technologies and techniques used for endoscopic management of adverse events of bariatric surgery, organized by surgery type.

METHODS

The MEDLINE database was searched through May 2018 for articles related to endoscopic management of adverse events of bariatric interventions by using relevant keywords such as adverse events related to "gastric bypass," "sleeve gastrectomy," "laparoscopic adjustable banding," and "vertical banded sleeve gastroplasty," in addition to "endoscopic treatment" and "endoscopic management," among others. Available data regarding efficacy, safety, and financial considerations are summarized.

RESULTS

Common adverse events of bariatric surgery include anastomotic ulcers, luminal stenoses, fistulae/leaks, and inadequate initial weight loss or weight regain. Devices used for endoscopic management of bariatric surgical adverse events include balloon dilators (hydrostatic, pneumatic), mechanical closure devices (clips, endoscopic suturing system, endoscopic plication platform), luminal stents (covered esophageal stents, lumen-apposing metal stents, plastic stents), and thermal therapy (argon plasma coagulation, needle-knives), among others. Available data, composed mainly of case series and retrospective cohort studies, support the primary role of endoscopic management. Multiple procedures and techniques are often required to achieve clinical success, and existing management algorithms are evolving.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopy is a less invasive alternative for management of adverse events of bariatric surgery and for revisional procedures. Endoscopic procedures are frequently performed in the context of multidisciplinary management with bariatric surgeons and interventional radiologists. Treatment algorithms and standards of practice for endoscopic management will continue to be refined as new dedicated technology and data emerge.

Extrabiliary applications of fully covered antimigration biliary metal stents

Background and Aims

Endoscopic stent placement in luminal GI strictures is not always feasible with traditional stents. For example, standard luminal stent delivery catheters may not successfully traverse severe strictures, and enteral stents may not be suitable for sites in the GI tract that pose significant adverse events if downstream migration were to occur. We demonstrate extrabiliary applications of specialized, fully covered antimigration biliary metal stents.

Methods

This is a retrospective series of 4 patients with different benign and malignant luminal GI strictures who underwent placement of fully covered antimigration biliary metal stents in different configurations as a bridge or destination therapy.

Results

Luminal obstruction resolved without adverse events in all cases.

Conclusions

Although off label, extrabiliary use of these stents can successfully address scenarios of complex luminal pathology. To compensate for the small stent caliber, two stents may be placed side by side in a double-barrel configuration. Strict diet modifications are necessary when applying this therapeutic paradigm.

Alternative uses of lumen apposing metal stents

The advent of lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) has revolutionized the management of many complex gastroenterological conditions that previously required surgical or radiological interventions. These procedures have garnered popularity due to their minimally invasive nature, higher technical and clinical success rate and lower rate of adverse events. By virtue of their unique design, LAMS provide more efficient drainage, serve as conduit for endoscopic access, are associated with lower rates of leakage and are easy to be removed. Initially used for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections, the use of LAMS has been extended to gallbladder and biliary drainage, treatment of luminal strictures, creation of gastrointestinal fistulae, pancreaticobiliary drainage, improved access for surgically altered anatomy, and drainage of intra-abdominal and pelvic abscesses as well as post-surgical fluid collections. As new indications of endosonographic techniques and LAMS continue to evolve, this review summarizes the current role of LAMS in the management of these various complex conditions and also highlights clinical pearls to guide successful placement of LAMS.

Lumen-apposing Metal Stents, Fully Covered Self-expanding Metal Stents, and Biodegradable Stents in the Management of Benign of GI Strictures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Refractory benign gastrointestinal (GI) strictures are difficult to treat and placement of a stent is a commonly sought resort. Stents used for this purpose are fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS), a biodegradable stent (BDS) and recently, a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS). There is no data comparing these stents to this end.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases and conference proceedings (from inception through October 2018) to identify studies that reported on the performance of FCSEMS, BDS, and LAMS in the treatment of refractory benign GI strictures. Our goals were to evaluate the pooled rate of technical success, clinical success, and adverse events with these stents and compare the outcomes between them.

RESULTS

A total of 31 studies were analyzed. In total, 14 (342 patients), 11 (226 patients), and 8 studies (192 patients) reported the use of FCSEMS, BDS, and LAMS, respectively. The pooled rate of technical success was 96.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 93.5-98.1], 91.9% (95% CI: 85.6-95.6), and 97.6% (95% CI: 94.0-99.0) with FCSEMS, BDS, and LAMS respectively. No statistical significance to the difference was noted. The pooled rate of clinical success was 48.4% (95% CI: 37.1-59.8), 34.9% (95% CI: 23.6-48.1), and 78.8% (95% CI: 65.8-87.8) with FCSEMS, BDS, and LAMS, respectively. Statistical significance was noted in LAMS versus FCSEMS (P=0.001) and LAMS versus BDS (P=0.001). LAMS demonstrated statistically better outcomes in regards to stent migration and postprocedure pain when compared with FCSEMS and BDS.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that LAMS gives better clinical outcomes in the treatment of refractory benign GI strictures when compared with FCSEMS and BDS. Variability in the site, as well as the length of stricture, indirect comparison, and heterogeneity, were the limitations of our study.

Clinical outcomes of lumen-apposing metal stent in the management of benign gastrointestinal strictures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims: Lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) have been considered as a viable alternative to treat benign gastrointestinal (GI) strictures. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of LAMS for benign GI strictures. Methods: Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed databases were searched using the keywords 'benign stricture', 'gastrointestinal stricture', 'lumen-apposing metal stent' and related terms on December 2018. Articles were selected for review by two authors independently according to predefined inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. A meta-analysis using a random effects model was performed. Results: Six studies with a total of 144 patients were included in the final analysis (60 males, 41.7%). Overall, the pooled technical success rate was 98.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.962-1.004], clinical success rate was 73.8% (95% CI: 0.563-0.912) and adverse events rate was 30.6% (95% CI: 0.187-0.425). The most common complication associated with LAMS for benign GI strictures was migration, and the pooled events rate was 10.9% (95% CI: 0.058-0.160). According to locations of stricture, subgroup analysis was performed in terms of clinical success [Esophagogastric: 63.9% (95% CI: 0.365-0.914); Gastroduodenal: 67.4% (95% CI: 0.421-0.927); Gastrojejunal: 78% (95% CI: 0.638-0.922); Pylorus: 77.6% (95% CI: 0.551-1.002); Colonic: 85.3% (95% CI: 0.515-1.191)]. Conclusions: Although the safety of LAMS placement in benign GI strictures is not very satisfactory, it is associated with a low migration rate. LAMS can achieve clinical symptom improvement or resolution in most patients with benign GI strictures, and it might be an alluring prospect for treating patients with this difficult condition.

Lumen-apposing metal stents for gastrointestinal luminal strictures: current use and future directions

The management of short-segment benign gastrointestinal (GI) strictures refractory to currently available endoscopic treatments (endoscopic balloon dilation, intralesional steroid injection, incisional therapy and fully covered self-expanding metal stents) proves to be challenging. Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS), originally developed for access to and drainage of pancreatic fluid collections, are being used in an off-label manner for the treatment of short GI luminal strictures. The short length and wide flanges make LAMS potentially suitable for this indication and may reduce complications and improve patient tolerance. In this article we review the published literature, including 138 patients from 4 retrospective studies and 13 case reports who received a LAMS for the treatment of a short GI luminal stricture. In the reviewed literature only 2 of the 138 cases had immediate adverse events warranting hospitalization: perforation and postoperative GI bleed. A total adverse event rate of 32.5% (45 of 138 cases) was reported. Migration was the most common adverse event, accounting for 40% of the total. Nearly 58% of reported patients had symptom and stricture resolution after stent removal in the reviewed studies. Follow up varied from 28-352 days after stent removal. Although more data are needed to determine their long-term safety and efficacy, LAMS represent an important alternative to traditional endoscopic options when approaching patients with short GI luminal strictures.

Off label use of lumen-apposing metal stent for persistent gastro-jejunal anastomotic stricture

We are reporting a novel “off-label” use of lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS) for management of refractory gastro-jejunal (GJ) anastomotic stricture after Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB). With increasing prevalence of obesity, bariatric surgery is performed more frequently than ever. RYGB is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures. GJ anastomotic stricture is a late complication of this procedure. Our patient, seven years after RYGB developed GJ anastomotic ulcer and subsequently a stricture not amendable to repeated pneumatic dilations. Instead of using the conventional fully covered self-expanding metal stent (fcSEMS) we deployed the relatively new LAMS keeping in mind its novel dumbbell shaped design. Our patient’s symptoms were controlled successfully and she remained asymptomatic on follow-up. Despite initial approval for pancreatic pseudocyst drainage, LAMS has been used with increased frequency at various locations within gastrointestinal tract including GJ anastomotic strictures. Future randomized control trials are warranted to compare the efficacy of fcSEMS to LAMS.

Avoidance, Recognition, and Management of Complications Associated with Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents

The lumen-apposing metal stent has evolved endoscopic transluminal therapies, although it has potential complications, including maldeployment, bleeding, perforation, migration, and several risks specific to necrotizing pancreatitis. Careful planning and technique mitigate these inherent risks of lumen-apposing metal sent deployment; however, setbacks occur even in the most experienced of hands. Therefore, early recognition and management of these complications are critical to alleviating morbidity and avoiding mortality. Management frequently requires multidisciplinary effort, including advanced endoscopic technique and consultation of interventional radiologic and surgical colleagues.