Management of occluded self-expanding biliary metal stents in malignant biliary disease

Background: Occlusion of self-expanding metal stents(SEMS) in malignant biliary obstruction occurs in up to 40% of patients. This study aimed to compare the different techniques to resolve stent occlusion in our collective of patients.Methods: Patients with malignant biliary obstruction and occlusion of biliary metal stent at a tertiary referral endoscopic center were retrospectively identified between April 1, 1994 and May 31, 2014. The clinical records were further analyzed regarding the characteristics of patients, malignant strictures, SEMS,management strategies, stent patency, subsequent interventions, survival time and case charges.Results: A total of 108 patients with biliary metal stent occlusion were identified. Seventy-nine of these patients were eligible for further analysis. Favored management was plastic stent insertion in 73.4% patients. Second SEMS were inserted in 12.7% patients. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and mechanical cleansing were conducted in a minority of patients. Further analysis showed no statistically significant difference in median overall secondary stent patency(88 vs. 143 days, P = 0.069), median survival time(95 vs. 192 days, P = 0.116), median subsequent intervention rate(53.4% vs. 40.0%, P = 0.501)and median case charge(€5145 vs. €3473, P = 0.803) for the treatment with a second metal stent insertion compared to plastic stent insertion. In patients with survival time of more than three months,significantly more patients treated with plastic stents needed re-interventions than patients treated with second SEMS(93.3% vs. 57.1%, P = 0.037).Conclusions: In malignant biliary strictures, both plastic and metal stent insertions are feasible strategies for the treatment of occluded SEMS. Our data suggest that in palliative biliary stenting, patients especially those with longer expected survival might benefit from second SEMS insertion. Careful patient selection is important to ensure a proper decision for either management strategy.     

One- and two-step self-expandable metal stent placement for distal malignant biliary obstruction: a propensity analysis

Background

Although self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are widely used for distal malignant biliary obstruction, one-step SEMS (direct placement without a prior plastic stent) and two-step SEMS (placement at second endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP] following plastic stent placement) have not been fully compared.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective study, patients were included who underwent first-time endoscopic SEMS placement between September 1994 and December 2010. We compared the one-step and two-step strategies using a propensity analysis.

Results

In total, 370 patients were identified and one-step SEMS was performed in 59 patients. After adjustment using propensity scores, the median times to dysfunction were 116 and 219?days, respectively, for one-step and two-step SEMS (P?=?0.058). Stent migration was more frequently observed in one-step SEMS as compared with two-step SEMS (25 vs. 11?%, P?=?0.031). In one-step SEMS, the number of days of hospitalization associated with first-time SEMS placement was shorter compared with that in two-step SEMS (21 vs. 30?days, P?=?0.001), and the total costs of SEMS-related interventions within 6?months were lower (6510 and 8100 USD, P?=?0.004). The pathological diagnosis rates for pancreatic and biliary tract cancer at initial ERCP were 52 and 61?%. After failed diagnosis at initial ERCP, pathological diagnosis rates for pancreatic cancer were 32 versus 76?% (P?=?0.005) by repeated ERCP versus endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA).

Conclusions

One-step SEMS was associated with increased stent migration, despite having potential cost-effectiveness. The additional yield of pathological diagnosis at repeated ERCP was low compared with that yielded by EUS-guided FNA.     

Preoperative Colonoscopy for Detection of Synchronous Neoplasms after Insertion of Self-Expandable Metal Stents in Occlusive Colorectal Cancer: Comparison of Covered and Uncovered Stents

Background/Aims

In patients with occlusive colorectal cancers, a complete preoperative evaluation of the colon proximal to the obstruction is often impossible. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of preoperative colonoscopy after stent placement and to determine whether the success rate of colonoscopy differs between covered and uncovered stents.

Methods

Seventy-three patients with malignant colorectal obstruction were enrolled prospectively. In patients with a resectable cancer, a preoperative colonoscopy was performed after insertion of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS). The success rate of complete preoperative colonoscopy was compared between covered and uncovered stents.

Results

Forty-five of 73 patients who underwent stent placement had a resectable cancer (61.6%). A complete preoperative colonoscopy was possible in 40 of 45 patients (88.9%). The success rate of complete preoperative colonoscopy was significantly lower in the covered-stent group when the obstructing mass lesion was located in the sigmoid colon (p=0.024). Synchronous cancer was detected in one patient (2.2%). Stent migration was observed in four patients with a covered stent.

Conclusions

A preoperative complete colonoscopy after SEMS placement was feasible and safe in most patients with malignant colorectal obstruction. Uncovered stents seem to have more advantages than covered stents in preoperative colonoscopy proximal to the obstruction.     

Comparison of one-year clinical outcomes with paclitaxel-eluting stents versus bare metal stents in everyday practice

BACKGROUND:

In randomized trials, paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) have been shown to be superior to bare metal stents (BMS) in reducing restenosis. However, the effectiveness of PES in patients treated during routine practice has not been fully established.

METHODS:

A retrospective comparison of PES with BMS in consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from April 2003 to March 2004 was conducted. Outcomes included the composite of death, myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at one year, as well as stent thrombosis.

RESULTS:

A total of 512 patients were treated with PES, and 722 patients were treated with BMS. Patients in the PES group were more likely to receive stents that were 20 mm in length or longer (52.2% versus 33.3%, P<0.0001), 2.5 mm in diameter or smaller (29.1% versus 12.5%, P<0.0001) and implanted in bifurcation positions (15.4% versus 11.6%, P=0.02). At one year, the composite outcome of death, myocardial infarction and TLR was 6.1% in the PES group compared with 10.8% in the BMS group (P=0.004). The one-year rate of stent thrombosis was 0.59% in the PES group compared with 0.28% in the BMS group (P=0.4).

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite being used in higher-risk lesions, there was a lower rate of major cardiac events at one year in patients treated with PES, primarily driven by the reduction in TLR. Thus, the experience with PES in contemporary practice applied to a broader population appears to be consistent with the results reported in randomized trials.     

Bilateral Metal Stents for Hilar Biliary Obstruction Using a 6Fr Delivery System: Outcomes Following Bilateral and Side-by-Side Stent Deployment

Background and Study Aim

Controversy exists on optimal endoscopic management for palliation of malignant hilar obstruction, with advocates for metal “side-by-side” (SBS) and “stent-in-stent” (SIS) techniques. We sought to evaluate the technical feasibility, efficacy, and outcomes of bilateral biliary self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) for treatment of malignant hilar obstruction using a stent with a 6Fr delivery system.

Patients and Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective review of all patients who underwent bilateral placement of Zilver^® biliary SEMS for malignant hilar obstruction from January 2010 to August 2012. Patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with placement of stents using either the SIS or SBS stent techniques.

Results

Twenty-four patients (19 men, mean age 63 years) underwent bilateral stenting for malignant hilar obstruction during the study period. Seventeen and seven patients underwent the SBS and SIS technique, respectively. Cholangiocarcinoma (n = 14) was the most common cause of hilar obstruction. Initial technical success was achieved in 24/24 (100 %) of patients; however, 12 (50 %) patients required re-intervention during the study period (median 98 days). Comparison of the SBS and SIS groups revealed no statistical difference with respect to need for re-intervention (P = 0.31), successful re-intervention (P = 0.60), or procedural length (P = 0.89).

Conclusions

Use of bilateral Zilver^® SEMS in either the SBS or SIS configuration is safe, technically feasible, and effective for drainage of malignant hilar obstruction; however, duration of stent patency and procedure-free survival remain variable.     

Endoscopic management of occluded metal biliary stents: metal versus 10F plastic stents

AIM:To compare the efficacy of self-expandable metal stents(SEMSs) with 10F plastic stents(PSs) in the endoscopic management of occluded SEMSs.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 56 patients who underwent SEMS insertion for palliation of unresectable malignant biliary obstruction between 2000 and 2007 and subsequent endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage(ERBD) with SEMS or PS for initial SEMS occlusion between 2000 and 2008.RESULTS:Subsequent ERBD with SEMS was performed in 29 patient...     

The learning curve for colorectal stent insertion for the treatment of malignant colorectal obstruction

Background/Aims

We aimed to assess the effectiveness of self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) insertion by evaluating the learning curve in relation to the experience of an endoscopist.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 120 SEMS insertion procedures performed by one endoscopist in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction. We compared the technical and clinical success rates, complication rates, and duration of the procedures by quartiles.

Results

The mean age of the patients (76 men and 44 women) was 64.6 years. The overall technical success rate was 95.0% (114/120), and the clinical success rate was 90.0% (108/120). The median procedure duration was 16.2 minutes (range, 3.4 to 96.5 minutes). From the first to the last quartile, the technical success rates were 90.0%, 96.7%, 96.7%, and 96.7% (p=0.263), and the clinical success rates were 90.0%, 90.0%, 96.7%, and 83.3% (p=0.588), respectively. Procedure-related complications were observed in 28 patients (23.3%). The complication rates for SEMS insertion when patients were divided by quartiles were 26.7%, 23.3%, 10.0%, and 33.3% (p=0.184), respectively. Moreover, the number of stents per procedure was 1.13, 1.03, 1.00, and 1.00 (p=0.029), respectively. The median duration of SEMS insertion decreased significantly, 20.9 to 14.8 minutes after the first 30 procedures (p=0.005).

Conclusions

An experienced endoscopist was able to perform the SEMS insertion procedure easily and effectively after performing 30 SEMS insertions.     

Endoscopic bilateral metallic stenting for malignant hilar obstruction using newly designed stents

Background/Purpose

Whether unilateral or bilateral drainage should be performed for malignant hilar biliary obstruction is controversial. Moreover, endoscopic placement of bilateral metallic stents is difficult and complicated.

Methods

New metallic stents, such as the Niti-S Y-type stent (Y-stent), BONASTENT M-Hilar, and Niti-S large cell D-type stent (LCD), have recently been developed for bilateral stent-in-stent procedures to facilitate contralateral stent deployment through the interstices of the first metallic stent. We review the features and efficacy of these metallic stents designed for bilateral drainage in patients with hilar biliary obstruction.

Results

The newly designed stents examined exhibited high technical success rates, low stent-related complications, and good stent patency. Endoscopic reinterventions for occluded stents could be performed easily, particularly in patients with bilateral LCD placement.

Conclusion

Endoscopic bilateral stenting using newly designed metallic stents is feasible, safe, and effective in patients with unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction.     

Effects of the Temporary Placement of a Self-Expandable Metallic Stent in Benign Pyloric Stenosis

Background/Aims

The use of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) is an established palliative treatment for malignant stenosis in the gastrointestinal tract; therefore, its application to benign stenosis is expected to be beneficial because of the more gradual and sustained dilatation in the stenotic portion. We aimed in this prospective observational study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of temporary SEMS placement in benign pyloric stenosis.

Methods

Twenty-two patients with benign stenosis of the prepylorus, pylorus, and duodenal bulb were enrolled and underwent SEMS placement. We assessed symptom improvement, defined as an increase of at least 1 degree in the gastric-outlet-obstruction scoring system after stent insertion.

Results

No major complications were observed during the procedures. After stent placement, early symptom improvement was achieved in 18 of 22 patients (81.8%). During the follow-up period (mean 10.2 months), the stents remained in place successfully for 6 to 8 weeks in seven patients (31.8%). Among the 15 patients (62.5%) with stent migration, seven (46.6%) showed continued symptomatic improvement without recurrence of obstructive symptoms.

Conclusions

Despite the symptomatic improvement, temporary SEMS placement is premature as an effective therapeutic tool for benign pyloric stenosis unless a novel stent is developed to prevent migration.     

Clinical Efficacy of Endoscopic Treatment for Benign Colorectal Stricture: Balloon Dilatation versus Stenting

Background/Aims

There has been a lack of research comparing balloon dilatation and self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement to determine which is better for long-term clinical outcomes in patients with benign colorectal strictures. We aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and complication rates of balloon dilatation and SEMS placement for benign colorectal strictures from a variety of causes.

Methods

Between January 1999 and January 2012, a total of 43 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for benign colorectal stricture (balloon only in 29 patients, SEMS only in seven patients, and both procedures in seven patients) were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Thirty-six patients underwent endoscopic balloon dilatation, representing 65 individual sessions, and 14 patients received a total of 17 SEMS placements. The initial clinical success rates were similar in both groups (balloon vs SEMS, 89.1% vs 87.5%). Although the reobstruction rates were similar in both groups (balloon vs SEMS, 54.4% vs. 57.1%), the duration of patency was significantly longer in the balloon dilatation group compared with the SEMS group (65.5±13.3 months vs. 2.0±0.6 months, p=0.031).

Conclusions

Endoscopic balloon dilatation is safe and effective as an initial treatment for benign colorectal stricture and as an alternative treatment for recurrent strictures.     

Nintinol self-expandable metallic stenting in management of malignant obstructive jaundice: a case series

Background and Aims

Palliation therapy is the only available therapeutic method for most patients with tumor-induced obstructive jaundice. Metallic stents are now performed percutaneously as an alternative route to the endoscopic approach. It is widely accepted because of its safety, good patency rate, and minimal invasiveness. This study was designed to evaluate the long-term results of metallic self-expandable stent insertion in patients with malignant stenosis of the biliary tree.

Methods

It is a longitudinal study of patients with percutaneously biliary stenting from September 2005 to March 2009. The patients had unresectable malignant biliary obstruction with unsuccessful endoscopic stenting and access. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram performed after adequate local anesthesia, under sonographic or fluoroscopic guidance. Stenting or balloon dilation was performed through the hydrophilic guide wire. Among 50 patients, 45 stents were placed in biliary tree stenosis sites. Patients’ follow-up was during the first, second, third, and then the sixth month after insertion of biliary stents. Stent patency was considered successful in our patients, when there were no lab results or sonographic appearance of biliary tree obstruction.

Results

10(20%) patients’ stent placement treatment failed because of unsuccessful technical procedure. The stenosis of biliary tract was complete and passage of guide wire was not possible through the tumor growth. 6 (15 %) patients with successful stent placements died within one month (mean, 22 days). Total serum bilirubin resolved to below 1.5 mg/dl within 30 days for 36 (90%) patients with successful stent placements. Early complications not leading to death occurred in 28% of cases. The mean survival time for all patients who underwent stent placement was 140 days (16-420days). The mean patency rate for all stents was 147 days.

Conclusions

Percutaneous biliary stenting is a safe procedure with few technical complications and a high success rate of palliation for patients with malignant biliary jaundice. Early complications are mostly managed conservatively and death is mainly due to systemic effects of the malignant disease.     

Radiotherapy Prolongs Biliary Metal Stent Patency in Malignant Pancreatobiliary Obstructions

Background/Aims

Biliary stenting is the most effective decompressive method for treating malignant biliary obstructive jaundice. Although the main cause of stent occlusion is tumor growth, few studies have investigated whether stent patency is affected by the combination of cancer-treatment modalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of local radiotherapy on metal-stent patency in patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

Methods

Patients who underwent self-expandable biliary metallic stenting for malignant biliary obstruction from 1999 to 2007 were included. Forty patients received chemotherapy and radiation therapy (radiation group, RG), and 31 patients received only chemotherapy (nonradiation group, NRG).

Results

The cumulative median stent patency was significantly longer in the RG than in the NRG (17.7 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8 to 33.6 months vs 8.7 months; 95% CI, 4.9 to 12.5 months; p=0.025). Stent occlusion caused by tumor growth or stent migration occurred in two (5%) and three (7.5%) cases in the RG and in six (19.3%) and two (6.5%) cases in the NRG, respectively.

Conclusions

The patency of biliary metal stents in pancreatobiliary cancer patients who receive chemoradiation therapy is significantly longer than that in patients who do not receive radiotherapy, which suggests that local cancer control significantly affects stent patency.     

Metallic stents are more efficacious than plastic stents in unresectable malignant hilar biliary strictures: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Endoscopic biliary stenting is a well-established palliative treatment for unresectable malignant biliary strictures, for which plastic tube stents (PSs) and self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are most commonly used. The efficacy of these stents has been extensively described in distal biliary strictures, but not in hilar biliary strictures. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of PSs and SEMSs for unresectable malignant hilar biliary strictures.

Methods

From June 2004 to November 2008, 60 patients were enrolled and prospectively randomized into the PS or SEMS group.

Results

The 6-month patency rate was significantly higher in the SEMS group than in the PS group (81 vs. 20%; p = 0.0012). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly longer patency in the SEMS group than in the PS group (p = 0.0002); the 50% patency period was 359 days in the SEMS group and 112 days in the PS group. There was no significant difference in the overall survival period between the PS and SEMS groups (p = 0.2834). The mean number of reinterventions for stent failures was significantly lower in the SEMS group (0.63 times/patient) than in the PS group (1.80 times/patient) (p = 0.0008). The overall total cost for the treatment was significantly lower in the SEMS group than in the PS group (p = 0.0222).

Conclusions

SEMSs were associated with a longer patency than PSs in patients with unresectable hilar biliary stricture. SEMSs were also more advantageous in reducing the number of reintervention sessions and the overall treatment cost.     

Impact of anticancer treatment on recurrent obstruction in covered metallic stents for malignant biliary obstruction

Background

In patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (MBO), anticancer treatment is often administered. The impact of anticancer treatment on recurrent biliary obstruction in covered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Data on 279 patients enrolled in a multicenter prospective cohort study of two different covered SEMS for distal MBO, WATCH study (141 partially covered WallFlex stents and 138 partially covered Wallstents) were retrospectively analyzed. The rates and causes of recurrent biliary obstruction (stent occlusion or migration) were compared between anticancer treatment group (n = 173) and best supportive care alone (BSC) group (n = 106). Cumulative time and prognostic factors for recurrent biliary obstruction were analyzed, using a proportional hazards model with death without recurrent biliary obstruction as a competing risk.

Results

The overall rate (43 vs. 25 %, P = 0.002) and the cumulative incidence (16.1 vs. 8.2, 27.9 vs. 18.9 and 44.1 vs. 26.6 % at 3, 6 and 12 months, P = 0.030 by Gray’s test) of recurrent biliary obstruction were significantly higher in anticancer treatment group compared with BSC group. The multivariate analysis revealed anticancer treatment [subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) 1.93, P = 0.007) as well as the use of a partially covered WallFlex stent (SHR 0.65, P = 0.049) as prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Anticancer treatment was a risk factor for recurrent biliary obstruction in covered SEMS for distal MBO. The superiority of a partially covered WallFlex stent was again confirmed in this competing risk analysis; UMIN-CTR: UMIN000002293.     

Endoscopic treatment of persistent thoracobiliary fistulae after penetrating liver trauma

Background:

This study evaluated the outcomes of patients with complex or persistent thoracobiliary fistulae following penetrating liver trauma, who underwent endoscopic biliary intervention at a tertiary referral centre.

Methods:

All patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) and endoscopic biliary intervention for traumatic thoracobiliary fistulae between 1992 and 2008 were evaluated. Bile duct injuries were classified according to their biliary anatomic location on cholangiography and type of pulmonary communication.

Results:

Twenty-two patients had thoracobiliary (pleurobiliary, n = 19; bronchobiliary, n = 3) fistulae. The site of the bile duct injury was identified in 20 patients on cholangiography. These 20 patients underwent either sphincterotomy and biliary stenting (n = 18) or sphincterotomy alone (n = 2). In 17 patients the fistulae resolved after the initial endoscopic intervention. Three patients required secondary stenting with replacement of the initial stent. Three patients developed mild pancreatitis after stenting and one stent migrated and was replaced. All fistulae healed after endoscopic treatment. In 18 patients the stents were removed 4 weeks after bile drainage ceased. Three of the 22 patients required a thoracotomy for infected loculated pleural collections after initial catheter drainage.

Conclusions:

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is an accurate and reliable method of demonstrating post-traumatic thoracobiliary fistulae and endoscopic biliary intervention with sphincterotomy and stenting in this situation is safe and effective. Surgery in patients with thoracobiliary fistulae should be reserved for fistulae which do not heal after endoscopic biliary stenting or for patients who have unresolved pulmonary or intra-abdominal sepsis as a result of bile leak.     

Transmural Biliary Drainage Can Be an Alternative to Transpapillary Drainage in Patients with an Indwelling Duodenal Stent

Background

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are widely utilized to relieve symptoms of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), but GOO is frequently complicated by nonresectable distal biliary obstruction. The optimal endoscopic approach to biliary drainage in this setting remains controversial and has yet to be resolved.

Aims

To compare the safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural biliary drainage (EUS-BD) and transpapillary drainage in patients with an indwelling duodenal SEMS.

Methods

Patients who underwent EUS-BD or transpapillary drainage for distal malignant biliary obstruction with an indwelling duodenal SEMS between June 2007 and August 2012 at three Japanese tertiary referral centers were identified retrospectively. We compared times to stent dysfunction, causes of dysfunction, and procedural related complications between these two groups.

Results

Twenty patients were included in the study (7 EUS-BD and 13 transpapillary drainage). EUS-BD was performed via hepaticogastrostomy using a SEMS in three patients and via choledochoduodenostomy using a SEMS or a plastic stent in two patients each. Transpapillary drainage was performed using a SEMS in all patients. The stent patency rate in the EUS-BD group was higher than that in the transpapillary drainage group (100 vs. 71 % at 1 month and 83 vs. 29 % at 3 months, respectively). The rate of stent dysfunction in the EUS-BD group tended to be lower than that in the transpapillary group (14 vs. 54 %; P = 0.157). Complication rates were similar between the groups (P = 1.000), with moderate bleeding in one patient in the EUS-BD group and mild pancreatitis in one patient in the transpapillary group.

Conclusion

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural biliary drainage is an alternative to transpapillary drainage in patients with an indwelling duodenal SEMS.     

Management of Occluded Metal Stents in Malignant Biliary Obstruction: Similar Outcomes with Second Metal Stents Compared to Plastic Stents

Background

Covered or uncovered self expandable metallic stents (SEMS) placed in patients with malignant biliary obstruction can occlude in 19–40?%, but optimal management is unclear.

Aim

We sought to summarize current evidence regarding management of occluded SEMS in patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

Methods

Two investigators independently searched Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science using pre-defined search criteria, and reviewed bibliographies of included studies. Data were independently abstracted by two investigators, and analyzed using RevMan. We compared strategies of second SEMS versus plastic stents with respect to the following outcomes: rate of second stent re-occlusion, duration of second stent patency, and survival.

Results

Ten retrospective studies met inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Management options described were placement of an uncovered SEMS (n?=?125), covered SEMS (n?=?106), plastic stent (n?=?135), percutaneous biliary drain (n?=?7), mechanical cleaning (n?=?18), or microwave coagulation (n?=?7). Relative risk of re-occlusion was not significantly different in patients with second SEMS compared to plastic stents (RR 1.24, 95?% CI 0.92, 1.67, I²?=?0, p 0.16). Duration of second stent patency was not significantly different between patients who received second SEMS versus plastic stents (weighted mean difference 0.46, 95?% CI ?0.30, 1.23, I²?=?83?%). Survival was not significantly different among patients who received plastic stents versus SEMS (weighted mean difference ?1.13, 95?% CI ?2.33, 0.07, I² 86?%, p = 0.07).

Conclusions

Among patients with malignant biliary obstruction and occluded SEMS, available evidence suggests a strategy of placing a plastic stent may be as effective as second SEMS. Limitations of these findings were that all studies were retrospective and heterogeneity between studies was detected for two of the outcomes.     

Revision of bilateral self-expandable metallic stents placed using the stent-in-stent technique for malignant hilar biliary obstruction

Background

Endoscopic biliary decompression using bilateral self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placed using the stent-in-stent (SIS) technique is considered favorable for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO). However, occlusion of the bilateral SIS placement is frequent and revision can be challenging. This study was performed to investigate the efficacy, the long-term patency and the appropriate approach for revision of occluded bilateral SIS placement in unresectable MHBO.

Clinical outcome of self-expandable metal stent placement in the management of malignant proximal colon obstruction

Background/Aims

There are limited data regarding the clinical outcomes of self-expandable metal stents in the treatment of proximal colon obstruction. We compared the clinical outcomes of stent placement in patients with malignant proximal to distal colon obstructions.

Methods

We reviewed medical records from 37 consecutive patients from three institutions (19 men; mean age, 72 years) who underwent endoscopic stent placement at a malignant obstruction of the proximal colon. We also examined the records from 99 patients (50 men; mean age, 65 years) who underwent endoscopic stent placement for a distal colon obstruction. Technical success, clinical improvements, complications and stent patency were compared between treatments.

Results

The technical success rate tended to be lower in stents inserted to treat proximal colon obstructions than in those used to treat distal colon obstructions (86% vs 97%, p=0.06). Clinical improvement was achieved in 78% of patients (29/37) with proximal colonic stenting and in 91% of patients (90/99) with distal colonic stenting (p=0.08). Complications (24% vs 27%), stent migration (8% vs 8%) and stent reocclusion rates (11% vs 17%) did not differ significantly between groups. Two cases of bowel perforation related to stenting (5%) occurred in patients with proximal colonic stenting.

Conclusions

The technical success and clinical improvement associated with self-expandable metal stents used to treat proximal colon obstruction tend to be lower than cases of distal colon obstruction. Technical failure is an important cause of poor clinical improvement in patients with proximal colon stenting. Complication rates and stent patency appear to be similar in both groups.     

Triple-Tissue Sampling during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Increases the Overall Diagnostic Sensitivity for Cholangiocarcinoma

Background/Aims

There are several methods for obtaining tissue samples to diagnose malignant biliary strictures during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, each method has only limited sensitivity. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a combined triple-tissue sampling (TTS) method (on-site bile aspiration cytology, brush cytology, and forceps biopsy).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 168 patients with suspicious malignant biliary strictures who underwent double-tissue sampling (DTS; n=121) or TTS (n=47) via ERCP at our institution from 2004 to 2011.

Results

Among the 168 patients reviewed, 117 patients (69.6%) were eventually diagnosed with malignancies. The diagnostic sensitivity for cancer was significantly higher in the TTS group than the DTS group (85.0% vs 64.9%, respectively; p=0.022). Furthermore, the combination of brush cytology and forceps biopsy was superior to the other method combinations in the DTS group. With respect to cancer type (cholangiocarcinoma vs noncholangiocarcinoma), interestingly, the diagnostic sensitivity was higher for cholangiocarcinoma in the TTS group than the DTS group (100% vs 69.4%, respectively; p<0.001) but not for the non-cholangiocarcinoma patients (57.1% vs 57.1%, respectively).

Conclusions

TTS can provide an improved diagnostic accuracy in suspicious malignant biliary strictures, particularly for cholangiocarcinoma.