Self-expandable metallic stent application for the management of upper gastrointestinal tract disease

Non-surgical resolution of a delayed esophagopleural fistula caused by tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenitis: Diagnostic challenges and therapeutic success

BACKGROUND

Esophagopleural fistula (EPF) is an abnormal pathological communication between the esophagus and the pleural space. While EPF is typically associated with malignancy or iatrogenic injury, tuberculosis (TB) is a rare cause, with only a limited number reported cases. Here, we present a case of TB related EPF that developed following diagnostic surgery and was successfully treated with anti-TB therapy alone, without the need for surgical intervention.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 58-year-old male presented with a three-month history of a six-kilogram weight loss, chronic cough and sputum production. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed necrotic lymphadenopathy with air bubbles within the 2R lymph node, located in the paratracheal region just below the origin of subclavian artery, raising suspicion for primary lung cancer. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) was performed, but histopathological analysis revealed only non-neoplastic bronchial tissue and lymphoid aggregates. Given the detection of a hypermetabolic lesion in the 2R lymph node on positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), raising suspicion of malignancy, a surgical biopsy was performed. However, histopathological examination revealed only chronic active inflammation. One-month postoperatively, the patient developed EPF, which was initially managed with nasogastric tube feeding and antibiotics for aspiration pneumonia. Microbiological tests, including sputum and bronchoscopic washing, were unremarkable. The patient was discharged after approximately 40 days at his request, despite persistent EPF without clinical improvement. Four months later, he was re-admitted due to worsening aspiration symptoms and progressive lung lesions. Repeat microbiological testing ultimately confirmed pulmonary TB, with positive acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining and Xpert MTB/RIF assay results. Standard four-drug anti-TB therapy led to significant clinical improvement, with complete resolution of the EPF on follow-up CT after six months. The patient fully recovered without surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of TB presenting as isolated lymphadenopathy and underscores the importance of repeated testing for accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, it demonstrates that TB-related EPF can be successfully managed with medical therapy alone, even in cases of advanced disease.

Manufacturing, Processing, and Characterization of Self-Expanding Metallic Stents: A Comprehensive Review

This paper aims to review the State of the Art in metal self-expanding stents made from nitinol (NiTi), showing shape memory and superelastic behaviors, to identify the challenges and the opportunities for improving patient outcomes. A significant contribution of this paper is its extensive coverage of multidisciplinary aspects, including design, simulation, materials development, manufacturing, bio/hemocompatibility, biomechanics, biomimicry, patency, and testing methodologies. Additionally, the paper offers in-depth insights into the latest practices and emerging trends, with a special emphasis on the transformative potential of additive manufacturing techniques in the development of metal stents. By consolidating existing knowledge and highlighting areas for future innovation, this review provides a valuable roadmap for advancing nitinol stents.

The three-tube method via precise interventional placement for esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula after gastrectomy: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage is a serious complication after total gastrectomy. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of transnasal placement of drainage catheter, jejunal decompression tube, and jejunal nutrition tube under fluoroscopy for treatment of esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula after gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients.

METHODS

This is retrospective review of patients with esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula treated with transnasal placement of abscess drainage catheter, decompression tube, and jejunal nutrition tube under fluoroscopy. Fistula healing time, patient survival, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status before and after treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were included in the study. Insertion of the transnasal abscess drainage catheter, decompression tube, and jejunal nutrition tube was successful on the first attempt in all patients, while 35 patients received transnasal abscess drainage, 13 received percutaneous abscess drainage, and 16 received transnasal drainage plus percutaneous abscess drainage. Immediately after placement of the tube, the mean volume of drainage was 180 mL (range, 10-850 mL); the amount steadily decreased from then on. The clinical success rate was 84.3% (54/64). Median time to fistula healing was 58 days (range, 7-357 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Transnasal insertion of transnasal abscess drainage catheter, jejunal decompression tube, and jejunal nutrition tube under fluoroscopy appears to be a simple, minimally invasive, effective, and safe method for treating esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula after gastrectomy.

Current status in endoscopic management of upper gastrointestinal perforations, leaks and fistulas

Recent advancement in endoscopic closure techniques have revolutionized the treatment of gastrointestinal perforations, leaks and fistulas. Traditionally, these have been managed surgically. The treatment strategy depends on the size and location of the defect, degree of contamination, presence of healthy surrounding tissues, patients' condition and the availability of expertise. One of the basic principles of management includes providing a barricade to the flow of luminal contents across the defect. This can be achieved with a wide range of endoscopic techniques. These include endoclips, stenting, suturing, tissue adhesives and glue, and endoscopic vacuum therapy. Each method has their distinct indications and shortcomings. Often, a combination of these techniques is required. Apart from endoscopic closure, drainage procedures by the interventional radiologist and surgical management also play an important role. In this review article, the outcomes of each of these endoscopic closure techniques in the literature is provided in tables, and practical management algorithms are being proposed.

[Technical features of esophageal stent deployment]

OBJECTIVE

To work out the optimal technique of endoscopic stenting of the esophagus (ESE) using various delivery devices (DD); to analyze immediate and long-term results of stenting depending on the type of DD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

ESE results were studied in 83 patients. Group 1 included 41 patients with implantation of metal stents delivered on a knitted tubular casing (21 stents with proximal opening and 20 stents with distal opening). Group 2 consisted of 42 patients who underwent ESE using a DD in the form of a contracting outer shell.

RESULTS

In the 1^st group, DD «stumbling» in 6 cases (14.6%) required additional tubular hollow rigid conductor. In the 2^nd group, there was no need for additional conductor (p=0.011). Intraoperative stent repositioning after its initial installation was required in 7 cases (17.1%) of the 1^st group and 16 cases (38.1%) of the 2^nd group (p=0.033). Higher likelihood of stent repositioning was observed in distal stent opening. Technical success rate was 100% in both groups. Clinical success rate was 100% in the 1^st group and 97.6% in the 2^nd group (p>0.05). Incidence of early and long-term postoperative complications was similar (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

ESE with various DDs is safe and effective in patients with malignant unresectable esophageal tumors and symptoms of dysphagia. However, certain features of stent installation should be considered. In our opinion, DD with proximal disclosure is more convenient due to better visual positioning of stent.

A Comprehensive Review of Endoscopic Management of Sleeve Gastrectomy Leaks

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery leaks result in significant morbidity and mortality. Experts report variable therapeutic approaches, without uniform guidelines or consensus.

OBJECTIVE

To review the pathogenesis, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of gastric sleeve leaks, with a focus on endoscopic approaches. In addition, the efficacy and success rates of different treatment modalities are assessed.

DESIGN

A comprehensive review was conducted using a thorough literature search of 5 online electronic databases (PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science) from the time of their inception through March 2020. Studies evaluating gastric sleeve leaks were included. MeSH terms related to "endoscopic," "leak," "sleeve," "gastrectomy," "anastomotic," and "bariatric" were applied to a highly sensitive search strategy. The main outcomes were epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Literature search yielded 2418 studies of which 438 were incorporated into the review. Shock and peritonitis necessitate early surgical intervention for leaks. Endoscopic therapies in acute and early leaks involve modalities with a focus on one of: (i) defect closure, (ii) wall diversion, or (iii) wall exclusion. Surgical revision is required if endoscopic therapies fail to control leaks after 6 months. Chronic leaks require one or more endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical approaches for fluid collection drainage to facilitate adequate healing. Success rates depend on provider and center expertise.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic management of leaks post sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive and effective alternative to surgery. Their effect may vary based on clinical presentation, timing or leak morphology, and should be tailored to the appropriate endoscopic modality of treatment.

Outcomes of Esophageal Stent Therapy for the Management of Anastomotic Leaks

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to present the optimal patient selection for esophageal stenting after esophageal resection to investigate possible factors leading to treatment success or treatment failure in these patients.

METHODS

This was a prospective, observational study of patients from January 2005 to May 2019 with an esophageal anastomotic leak that were treated with a self-expandable stent (SES).

RESULTS

A total of 34 patients were treated. All achieved technical success (100%); 33 (97%) achieved clinical success. No patient had to have reoperative surgery based on their leak management. The stenting in-hospital mortality was 0% with 1 patient (2%) with a 90-day mortality from possible leak-related death. Patients had their stents removed with a median of 106 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Stenting for an anastomotic leak after resection offers a safe and effective method of treatment and is successful in the majority of cases. Critical to success is optimal patient selection, adequate leak drainage, and optimal stent selection and placement.

Critical Appraisal of the Impact of Oesophageal Stents in the Management of Oesophageal Anastomotic Leaks and Benign Oesophageal Perforations: An Updated Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic placement of oesophageal stents may be used in benign oesophageal perforation and oesophageal anastomotic leakage to control sepsis and reduce mortality and morbidity by avoiding thoracotomy. This updated systematic review aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of oesophageal stents in these two scenarios.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of all published studies reporting use of metallic and plastic stents in the management of post-operative anastomotic leaks, spontaneous and iatrogenic oesophageal perforations were identified. Primary outcomes were technical (deploying ≥ 1 stent to occlude site of leakage with no evidence of leakage of contrast within 24-48 h) and clinical success (complete healing of perforation or leakage by placement of single or multiple stents irrespective of whether the stent was left in situ or was removed). Secondary outcomes were stent migration, perforation and erosion, and mortality rates. Subgroup analysis was performed for plastic versus metallic stents and anastomotic leaks versus perforations separately.

RESULTS

A total of 66 studies (n = 1752 patients) were included. Technical and clinical success rates were 96% and 87%, respectively. Plastic stents had significantly higher migration rates (24% vs 16%, p = 0.001) and repositioning (11% vs 3%, p < 0.001) and lower technical success (91% vs 95%, p = 0.032) than metallic stents. In patients with anastomotic leaks, plastic stents were associated with higher stent migration (26% vs 15%, p = 0.034), perforation (2% vs 0%, p = 0.013), repositioning (10% vs 0%, p < 0.001), and lower technical success (95% vs 100%, p = p = 0.002). In patients with perforations only, plastic stents were associated with significantly lower technical success (85% vs 99%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Covered metallic oesophageal stents appear to be more effective than plastic stents in the management of oesophageal perforation and anastomotic leakage. However, quality of evidence of generally poor and high-quality randomised trial is needed to further evaluate best management option for oesophageal perforation and anastomotic leakage.

Endoscopic management of leaks and fistulas after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Endoscopic techniques have become the first-line therapy in bariatric surgery-related complications such as leaks and fistulas. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of self-expandable stents, clipping, and tissue sealants in closing of post-bariatric surgery leak/fistula.

Methods

A systematic literature search of the Medline/Scopus databases was performed to identify full-text articles published up to February 2019 on the use of self-expandable stents, clipping, or tissue sealants as primary endoscopic strategies used for leak/fistula closure. Meta-analysis of studies reporting stents was performed with the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Data concerning the efficacy of self-expanding stents in the treatment of leaks/fistulas after bariatric surgery were extracted from 40 studies (493 patients). The overall proportion of successful leak/fistula closure was 92% (95% CI, 90–95%). The overall proportion of stent migration was 23% (95% CI, 19–28%). Seventeen papers (98 patients) reported the use of clipping: the over-the-scope clips (OTSC) system was used in 85 patients with a successful closure rate of 67.1% and a few complications (migration, stenosis, tear). The successful fistula/leak closure using other than OTSC types was achieved in 69.2% of patients. In 10 case series (63 patients), fibrin glue alone was used with a 92.8–100% success rate of fistula closure that usually required repeated sessions at scheduled intervals. The complications of fibrin glue applications were reported in only one study and included pain and fever in 12.5% of patients.

Conclusions

Endoscopic techniques are effective for management of post-bariatric leaks and fistulas in properly selected patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00464-020-07471-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.