Argon plasma endoscopic section of biliary metallic prostheses

Usefulness of surgical closure following intraoperative endoscopic additional stenting of duodenal perforation by stent: Report of a case

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Perforation of duodenum rarely occurs after stenting, but it could be life threatening.

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Reduced the force of the existing stent to the injury site, which could make it possible to perform simple closure.

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Surgical closure following intraoperative endoscopic additional stenting could be one of the useful options for duodenal perforation by stent.

Introduction

Malignant duodenal stenosis occurs in patients with advanced periampullary cancer. Insertion of a self-expanding metal stent for the treatment of this condition carries the risk of subsequent perforation of the duodenum. We report successful treatment of duodenal perforation induced by a stent.

Presentation of case

An 80-year-old woman suffering from stenosis caused by advanced periampullary cancer underwent metallic stent placement and her symptoms improved. While attempting biliary re-stenting to prevent restenosis after 4 months, the proximal end of the duodenal metallic stent migrated into the abdominal cavity. Using a laparotomy intraoperative endoscope, duodenal stents were placed into the prolapsed stent in the form of stent-in-stent to reduce the axial force of the stent, after which the puncture site was closed by suturing. No leakage or stenosis was observed at the duodenum, and the patient was able to eat normally until her death 4 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Surgical closure following intraoperative endoscopic additional stenting is a viable option for duodenal perforation caused by a stent.

Argon Plasma Coagulation for Extraction of an Impacted Trapezoid Basket in the Pancreatic Duct

We performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy for pancreatic stent placement on a 55-year-old woman with a dilated pancreatic duct, pancreatic duct stone, and chronic pancreatitis. During follow-up ERCP, the lithotripter traction wire fractured during electrohydraulic lithotripsy and mechanical lithotripsy. Multiple attempts using standard techniques to clear the lithotripter and stone failed. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) was used to ablate 2 of the lithotripter wires, and the lithotripter was disengaged from the stone and removed.

Argon plasma coagulation in the management of uncovered tracheal stent fracture

Endotracheal and endobronchial stenting, particularly with uncovered stents, can be complicated by stent fracture, granulation tissue formation, direct airway injury, and airway obstruction. While stent removal is possible, it can result in significant complications and long-term benefit is not guaranteed. Argon plasma coagulation can be employed to trim fractured stent fragments and remove granulation tissue simultaneously. In this manuscript, we report a case and describe our experience with using this technique.

Reintervention for occluded biliary metal stent for patients with malignant distal biliary stricture

A metal stent has a longer stent patency than a plastic stent in patients with unresectable malignant distal biliary stricture. However, treatment for stent dysfunction of a metal stent remains unresolved. A review of reported articles regarding reintervention for metal stent dysfunction showed that causes of stent dysfunction included tumor ingrowth/overgrowth, stone/sludge/food impaction, and stent migration. Cleaning of the stent is associated with an early relapse of stent dysfunction. Additional placement of a covered metal stent is expected to have a longer stent patency than that of other stents such as uncovered metal stents or plastic stents. It is recommended that occluded covered metal stents be removed if possible. Stent trimming with argon plasma coagulation is sometimes useful for the treatment of stent displacement. No strategy for occluded metal stents has been established yet. Further clinical trials regarding proper treatments are necessary.

Current status and issues regarding biliary stenting in unresectable biliary obstruction

In the present review, we describe the current status of biliary stenting in patients with unresectable malignant biliary strictures. Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are the ideal biliary stent for both distal and hilar biliary strictures, although in terms of distal biliary strictures, there is still some debate as to the selection of covered or uncovered SEMS, suprapapillary or transpapillary stent placement, side-by-side or stent-in-stent placement, unilateral or bilateral stent placement and the necessity for sphincterotomy. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials for these procedures are warranted.

Multimodal endoscopic treatment for delayed severe esophageal stricture caused by incomplete stent removal

The usefulness of a covered self-expandable metallic stent for benign esophageal stricture and perforation was well established. In case of benign disease, early stent removal was recommended within 6-8 weeks after placement. A case with severe esophageal stricture caused by incomplete stent removal 7 years after stent placement for spontaneous esophageal rupture was reported. Residual stent fragments could be removed by step-by-step multimodal endoscopic treatment, producing satisfactory luminal diameter of the esophagus. In particular, stent trimming with argon plasma coagulation was safe and effective strategy. The endoscopic stent removal is minimally invasive and should be attempted before surgical intervention; however, it is most important to ensure early stent removal before tissue ingrowth or overgrowth can develop.

Recent advances of biliary stent management

Recent progress in chemotherapy has prolonged the survival of patients with malignant biliary strictures, leading to increased rates of stent occlusion. Even we employed metallic stents which contributed to higher rates and longer durations of patency, and occlusion of covered metallic stents now occurs in about half of all patients during their survival. We investigated the complication and patency rate for the removal of covered metallic stents, and found that the durations were similar for initial stent placement and re-intervention. In order to preserve patient quality of life, we currently recommend the use of covered metallic stents for patients with malignant biliary obstruction because of their removability and longest patency duration, even though uncovered metallic stents have similar patency durations.

Endoscopic removal and trimming of distal self-expandable metallic biliary stents

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic removal and trimming of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS).

METHODS: All SEMS had been placed for distal biliary strictures. Twenty-seven endoscopic procedures were performed in 19 patients in whom SEMS (one uncovered and 18 covered) removal had been attempted, and 8 patients in whom stent trimming using argon plasma coagulation (APC) had been attempted at Tokyo Medical University Hospital. The APC settings were: voltage 60-80 W and gas flow at 1.5 L/min.

RESULTS: The mean stent indwelling period for all patients in whom stent removal had been attempted was 113.7 ± 77.6 d (range, 8-280 d). Of the 19 patients in whom removal of the SEMS had been attempted, the procedure was successful in 14 (73.7%) without procedure-related adverse events. The indwelling period in the stent removable group was shorter than that in the unremovable group (94.9 ± 71.5 d vs 166.2 ± 76.2 d, P = 0.08). Stent trimming was successful for all patients with one minor adverse event consisting of self-limited hemorrhage. Trimming time ranged from 11 to 16 min.

CONCLUSION: Although further investigations on larger numbers of cases are necessary to accumulate evidence, the present data suggested that stent removal and stent trimming is feasible and effective for stent-related complications.

Trimming of a Migrated Biliary Nitinol Stent Using Argon Plasma

Metallic stent migration is a well-known complication which cannot always be managed by removal or repositioning, especially in case of uncovered stent. We report a patient who developed obstructive jaundice due to migration of an expandable metallic stent (EMS) inserted in the lower bile duct. Trimming of the EMS using argon plasma was performed, with the power setting of 60 W and 2.0 l/min of argon flow. The distal part of the EMS was removed and mechanical cleaning using balloon catheter was performed for remnant EMS. Without additional stent insertion, jaundice was relieved in a few days. No complication was recognized during the procedure and no recurrence of jaundice in the rest of his life.

Endoscopic fenestration of duodenal stents using argon plasma to facilitate ERCP

BACKGROUND

The presence of a duodenal stent may hinder attempts at ERCP for treatment of malignant biliary obstruction.

OBJECTIVE

We describe 2 patients in whom endoscopic fenestration of indwelling duodenal stents with an argon plasma coagulator facilitated successful ERCP.

DESIGN

Single-center retrospective case series.

SETTING

Tertiary-referral center.

PATIENTS

Both patients had unresectable biliary malignancy with both duodenal and biliary obstruction.

INTERVENTION AND RESULTS

Windows were cut into indwelling duodenal stents with argon plasma, which exposed the underlying papilla and allowed successful ERCP and stent placement.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study and the small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Fenestration of duodenal stents using argon plasma is a simple technique that can facilitate ERCP.

Second-generation argon plasma coagulation: two-center experience with 600 patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Second-generation argon plasma coagulation (APC; APC 2/VIO APC) with its modes 'forced', 'pulsed', and 'precise' is a further development of the ICC/APC 300 system (first-generation APC). Until now, only limited data has existed on the use of APC 2.

METHODS

Fundamental data on the characteristics of the various APC 2 modes and clinical data from more than 600 patients treated in two high-volume endoscopy centers were analyzed. On the basis of these data, recommendations for the use of APC in daily gastroenterological practice were made.

RESULTS

In comparison to the ICC system, second-generation APC offers a broadened bandwidth of settings including different APC modes and a range of power settings from 1 to 120 W. Using the various modes of APC 2 in a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, minor complications were observed in 9-21% of patients. Major complications occurred in 1-7% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In a two-center experience treating a large group of patients with a wide variety of gastrointestinal conditions, the different APC 2 modes appeared to be safe and effective. Certain preventive measures before and during clinical application are recommended in order to avoid complications.

Endoscopic trimming of metallic stents with the use of argon plasma

BACKGROUND

The endoscopic placement of metallic stents for palliation of malignant obstruction of the GI or biliary tract is an established practice and as such is often applied. Use of these stents, however, has its problems. Stent migration may cause obstruction of the bowel lumen. Migration of a biliary stent into the contralateral duodenal wall may cause difficulty in gaining access to the biliary tract, as will the placement of a duodenal stent across the ampulla.

OBJECTIVE

We report on 6 patients in whom trimming of the metallic nitinol stent was performed.

DESIGN

Single-center, retrospective case series.

SETTING

Secondary referral center.

PATIENTS

Of 6 patients included, 2 patients each had an uncovered duodenal stent, 2 had an uncovered biliary stent each, 1 had an uncovered colorectal stent, and 1 had a covered gastroduodenal stent.

INTERVENTIONS

Under direct endoscopic vision, an argon plasma beam was used to cut self-expandable metallic stents, as appropriate.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

The main objective was relief of the obstruction to the bowel lumen or bile duct, facilitating successful passage of an endoscope or biliary canulation, respectively.

RESULTS

In all 5 patients with uncovered metallic stents, we were able to re-establish access to the obstructed bowel lumen or the biliary tree, as indicated. An attempt to tailor the length of a covered metallic gastroduodenal stent failed. No complications were observed and no hemorrhage or perforation occurred.

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by retrospective design and small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

The endoscopic cutting and tailoring of an uncovered metallic prosthesis, by means of an argon plasma beam, is feasible, effective, and safe. Trimming of covered stents is not advocated.

Trimming a metallic biliary stent using an argon plasma coagulator

BACKGROUND

Distal migration is one of the common complications after insertion of a covered metallic stent. Stent repositioning or removal is not always possible in every patient. Therefore, trimming using an argon plasma coagulator (APC) may be a good alternative method to solve this problem.

METHODS

Metallic stent trimming by APC was performed in 2 patients with biliary Wallstent migration and in another patient with esophageal Ultraflex stent migration. The power setting was 60-100 watts with an argon flow of 0.8 l/min.

OBSERVATIONS

The procedure was successfully performed and all distal parts of the stents were removed. No significant collateral damage to the nearby mucosa was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In a patient with a distally migrated metallic stent, trimming of the stent is possible by means of an APC. This new method may be applicable to other sites of metallic stent migration.

Endoscopic argon plasma coagulation of Marlex mesh erosion after vertical-banded gastroplasty

BACKGROUND

Marlex mesh erosions may occur as late complications after vertical-banded gastroplasty. Experience with the endoscopic treatment is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of argon plasma coagulation in the endoscopic treatment of eroded Marlex mesh.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTINGS

Endoscopy Unit, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.

PATIENTS

We describe the endoscopic treatment of eroded Marlex mesh in 2 patients who presented with symptoms of gastric-outlet obstruction.

INTERVENTIONS

In both cases, argon plasma coagulation was used to break down the eroded Marlex mesh. Fragments were subsequently removed with forceps and electrocautery snares. We did not encounter any complications with this method.

RESULTS

The endoscopic treatment resulted in lasting symptomatic improvement in both patients.

LIMITATIONS

Our experience is limited to 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Argon plasma coagulation appears to be a promising option for the endoscopic treatment of eroded Marlex mesh. It allows the fragmentation of large mesh portions and enables subsequent removal with a snare and a forceps. This method can result in symptomatic improvement and may obviate the need for surgery. Further data are necessary to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of this approach.

Safety and efficacy of argon plasma coagulation trimming of malpositioned and migrated biliary metal stents: a controlled study in the porcine model

BACKGROUND

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) has been used to trim uncovered Elgiloy stents, but the extent of thermal damage and bile duct injury is not known. The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of APC for this application.

METHODS

Eight Elgiloy (covered and uncovered) and four nitinol stents were deployed in the bile duct at ERCP in 12 anesthetized pigs. In nine pigs, the excess distal ends were trimmed in vivo using short bursts of APC. Three pigs served as controls. Bile ducts and stent specimens were then harvested for gross and histological examinations by a single-blinded pathologist.

RESULTS

APC effectively trimmed all the stents. Seven APC-treated bile ducts and three controls showed epithelial distortion consistent with pressure injury from stent expansion. Two APC-treated bile ducts showed mild thermal injury. The damage was superficial, extending to a maximum depth of 0.1 mm with rare foci involving subepithelial connective tissue.

CONCLUSION

APC at indicated settings effectively cuts covered and uncovered Elgiloy as well as nitinol stents, but can cause biliary epithelial injury secondary to conduction of heat and electrical energy. Proper technique and settings should be followed and short bursts of energy judiciously applied in order to minimize this danger.

Endoscopic removal of malfunctioning biliary self-expandable metallic stents

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic removal of malfunctioning self-expandable metallic biliary stents (SEMS) is difficult and not well described. The aim of this study is to review the indications, the techniques, and the results of SEMS removal in a cohort of patients with malfunctioning stents.

METHODS

All patients who underwent an attempt at endoscopic removal of biliary SEMS over a 5-year period were retrospectively identified. The main indications for SEMS removal were the following: distal migration of the stent or impaction to the duodenum, impaction into the bile-duct wall, tissue ingrowth, and inappropriate length of the stent causing occlusion of intrahepatic ducts. SEMS were removed by using foreign-body forceps or polypectomy snares.

RESULTS

Endoscopic removal of 39 SEMS (13 uncovered and 26 covered) was attempted in 29 patients (17 men; mean age, 66 years). SEMS extraction was attempted after a mean of 7.5 months (8.75 months standard deviation) post-SEMS insertion. Removal was successful in 20 patients (68.9%) and in 29 SEMS (74.3%). Covered SEMS were effectively removed more frequently than uncovered ones: 24 of 26 (92.3%) and 5 of 13 (38.4%), respectively (p < 0.05). No major complications were recorded. Multivariate analysis showed that the time interval between insertion and removal, SEMS length, stent-mesh design (zigzag vs. interlaced), and indication for removal were not predictive of success at stent removal.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic removal of biliary SEMS is feasible and safe in more than 70% of cases. Because only 38% of uncovered SEMS were removable, the presence of a stent covering is the only factor predictive of successful stent extraction. The presence of diffuse and severe ingrowth was the main feature limiting SEMS removal.

Endoscopic insertion of biliary stents in 18 patients with metallic duodenal stents who developed secondary malignant obstructive jaundice

AIM

The aim of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic insertion of biliary stents in patients with duodenal stents who develop secondary malignant obstructive jaundice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study population included 133 patients with unresectable malignant duodenal obstruction. In 106 patients a biliary stent was inserted before or at the same time as the duodenal stent. Malignant biliary obstruction appeared secondarily in 18 patients; fifteen of these patients already had a biliary stent. We present our experience of biliary stent insertion in these 18 patients with metallic duodenal stents.

RESULTS

Biliary obstruction was successfully alleviated in 17 out of 18 patients (94%) without complication. Insertion of a new biliary stent failed in one patient because the mesh of the duodenal stent passed over the metallic biliary stent already in place. Mean duration of endoscopic insertion was 95 minutes (range: 60 - 180). All patients remained free of biliary complications to death (57 days, range: 30 - 120).

CONCLUSION

Our report shows that endoscopic insertion of a biliary stent is feasible in patients who have metallic duodenal stents. Technical difficulties exist especially if the mesh of the duodenal stent passes over the papilla.

Palliative treatment of unresectable bile duct cancer: which stent? which approach?

Nonsurgical options for the palliative treatment of unresectable bile duct cancer are discussed. Despite all of the available approaches, the disease remains uniformly fatal. The goal of managing unresectable bile duct cancer is to treat the symptoms that still contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Further development of new treatment strategies and modalities is needed to improve the quality of life and survival of patients with this disease.