Efficacy and safety of covered self-expandable metal stents for management of distal malignant biliary obstruction due to lymph node metastases

Background

Distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) due to lymph node metastases (LNM) is a common problem in advanced malignant disease. However, the role of covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) in treating MBO has not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of covered SEMS for the treatment of distal MBO due to LNM.

Methods

Between November 1994 and December 2009, a total of 65 patients with distal MBO due to LNM underwent covered (n?=?44) and uncovered (n?=?21) SEMS placement.

Results

Successful drainage was achieved in all patients. There was no significant difference in patient survival. The cumulative stent patency of covered SEMS was significantly higher than that of uncovered SEMS (P?=?0.0020). Stent occlusion occurred in 5 patients (11%) with covered SEMS and in 8 (38%) with uncovered SEMS. There was no tumor ingrowth in covered SEMS, but seven in the uncovered SEMS group showed some ingrowth. Cholecystitis was not observed, but mild pancreatitis was observed in 6 (14%) of those with covered SEMS. No stent-insertion-related deaths occurred.

Conclusions

Covered SEMS are safe and effective for treatment of distal malignant biliary obstruction due to LNM.     

Duodenal metal stent placement is a risk factor for biliary metal stent dysfunction: an analysis using a time-dependent covariate

Background

Although the combination of biliary and duodenal self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) is useful, the exacerbating effect of duodenal SEMS placement on biliary SEMS has not been documented. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study to evaluate the effect of duodenal SEMS placement on biliary SEMS.

Methods

Patients who underwent first-time biliary SEMS placement for a distal malignant biliary obstruction between September 1994 and November 2010 were included. Time to dysfunction of biliary SEMS was analyzed to identify risk factors for biliary SEMS dysfunction. Duodenal SEMS placement was analyzed as a time-dependent covariate.

Results

In total, 410 eligible patients were identified. Duodenal SEMS were placed in 33 patients (8 %). The median time to dysfunction of biliary SEMS was 170 days. Male gender (hazard ratio 1.37, 95 % confidence interval 1.03–1.83, P = 0.029) and duodenal SEMS placement (hazard ratio 2.00, 95 % confidence interval 1.16–3.45, P = 0.013) were risk factors in the multivariate Cox model. In patients undergoing duodenal SEMS, biliary SEMS dysfunction was observed in 17 (52 %) with a median time to dysfunction of 64 days after duodenal SEMS placement. As many as 60 % of the patients with biliary SEMS dysfunction after duodenal SEMS placement needed permanent percutaneous transhepatic biliary external drainage.

Conclusions

Duodenal SEMS placement is a risk factor for biliary SEMS dysfunction. Alternative methods for biliary drainage should be considered for better biliary drainage in patients with a gastric outlet obstruction.     

Partially covered self-expanding metal stent for unresectable malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction: results of a large prospective series

Background

Endoscopic biliary stenting is a well-established palliative treatment in patients with unresectable malignant biliary strictures. Obstruction of uncovered self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) due to tumor ingrowth is the most frequent complication. Partially covered SEMS might increase stent patency but could favor complications related to stent covering, such as pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and migration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of partially covered SEMS in patients with an unresectable malignant biliary stricture.

Methods

Patients with malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction treated endoscopically with partially covered SEMS were included in this multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized study.

Results

One hundred ninety-nine patients were endoscopically treated with partially covered SEMS in 32 Spanish hospitals. Clinical success after deep cannulation was 96%. Early complications occurred in 4% (3 pancreatitis, 2 cholangitis, 1 hemorrhage, 1 perforation, and 1 cholecystitis). Late complications occurred in 19.5% (18 obstructions, 10 migrations, 6 cholangitis without obstruction, 3 acute cholecystitis, and 2 pancreatitis), with no tumor ingrowth in any case. Median stent patency was 138.9 ± 112.6?days. One-year actuarial probability of stent patency was 70% and that of nonmigration was 86%. Multivariate analysis showed adjuvant radio- or chemotherapy as the only independent predictive factor of stent patency and previous insertion of a biliary stent was the only predictive factor of migration.

Conclusions

The partially covered SEMS was easily inserted, had a high clinical success rate, and prevented tumor ingrowth. The incidence of possible complications related to stent coverage, namely, migration, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis, was lower than in previously published series.     

Endoscopic snare papillectomy with biliary and pancreatic stent placement for tumors of the major duodenal papilla

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and follow-up results of endoscopic papilletomy (ESP) with pancreatic and biliary duct stent placement for ampullary tumors. The therapeutic approach to benign ampullary tumors remains unsettled. The ESP procedure is a curative treatment option for benign papillary tumors, but ESP raises concerns about a relatively high risk for procedure-related complications such as pancreatitis. A pancreatic stent may protect against complications.

Methods

Between September 2000 and June 2008, 36 patients with ampullary tumors confined to the mucosa and no intraductal tumor growth underwent ESP. The preprocedural diagnostic tools included endoscopic ultrasound, transpapillary intraductal ultrasound, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Pancreatic and biliary stent placement was attempted if feasible. Endoscopic follow-up evaluation was conducted periodically as surveillance for recurrence.

Results

En bloc ESP was achieved for 94% of lesions with a median size of 14 mm. There were 26 adenomas including 4 high-grade intraepithelial neoplasias (HGINs), 5 carcinomas in adenoma, and 3 intramucosal cancers. Complete resections with tumor-free lateral and basal margins was achieved for 81% of the cases. During the median follow-up period of 14 months, there was one recurrent adenoma, which was successfully eradicated by a repeat ESP. A pancreatic stent was placed in 35 cases and a biliary stent in 29 cases. Mild acute pancreatitis and bleeding, managed endoscopically, occurred in 3 cases each (8%).

Conclusion

The ESP procedure can be feasible for benign ampullary adenoma, HGIN, and noninvasive cancer without intraductal tumor growth. Prophylactic stent placement in the pancreatic and bile ducts may reduce procedure-related complications.     

Clinical outcomes following secondary self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) insertion due to previous stent migration in malignant colorectal obstruction

Background

There has been no research on the clinical outcomes of secondary self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement after initial stent migration. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of secondary SEMS placement after initial stent migration compared to the outcomes of secondary SEMS placement done for reasons other than migration and identify factors predictive of long-term outcomes.

Methods

Between January 2005 and February 2011, a total of 422 patients underwent SEMS insertion for malignant colorectal obstruction at Severance Hospital. Of these, there were 98 cases of secondary SEMS placement, 38 of which were due to previous stent migration. We compared the clinical outcomes of secondary SEMS between stent migration and nonmigration groups. We also sought to identify risk factors for long-term outcomes of secondary SEMS after initial stent migration.

Results

The baseline clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. The technical and clinical success rates of secondary SEMS insertion in the migration and nonmigration groups were 94.7 % and 83.3 % (p = 0.09) and 73.7 % and 53.3 % (p = 0.122), respectively. In the migration group, sustained clinical success after secondary SEMS was associated with the absence of complications after insertion of the first stent (p < 0.001) and a longer time interval (more than 100 days) between the first and second stent insertion (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Our data showed that secondary colorectal SEMS after stent migration is safe and effective. Moreover, the sustained clinical success of the secondary stent following migration was dependent on the outcomes of the first stent.     

Fully covered removable nitinol self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) in malignant strictures of the esophagus: a multicenter analysis

Background

Fully covered esophageal self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) often are used for palliation of malignant dysphagia. However, experience and data on these stents are still limited. The purpose of this multicenter study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fully covered nitinol SEMS in patients with malignant dysphagia.

Methods

37 patients underwent placement of a SEMS during a 3?year period. Five patients underwent SEMS placement as a bridge to surgery: one for tracheoesophageal fistula in the setting of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, one for perforation in setting of esophageal adenocarcinoma, 27 for unresectable esophageal cancer (16 adenocarcinoma, 11 squamous cell carcinoma), two for lung cancer, and one for breast-cancer-related esophageal strictures.

Results

SEMS placement was successful in all 37 patients. Immediate complications after stent deployment included chest pain (n?=?6), severe heartburn (n?=?1), and upper gastrointestinal bleeding requiring SEMS revision (n?=?1). Dysphagia scores improved significantly from 3.2?±?0.4 before stent placement to 1.4?±?1.0 at 1?month (P?P?P?=?0.0018) at 6?months. The stent was removed in 11 patients (30%) for the following indications: resolution of stricture (n?=?3), stent malfunction (n?=?5), and stent migration (n?=?3). After stent removal, three patients were restented, three underwent dilation, and two underwent PEG placement. Mean survival for the 37 patients after stent placement was 146.3?±?143.6 (range, 13–680) days.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that fully covered SEMS placement improve dysphagia scores in patients with malignant strictures, particularly in the unresectable population. Further technical improvements in design to minimize long-term malfunction and migration are required.     

Comparison of uncovered and covered stents for the treatment of malignant duodenal obstruction caused by pancreaticobiliary cancer

Background

Few clinical studies to date have compared different types of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) and their outcomes in patients with pure duodenal obstruction caused by pancreaticobiliary cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness and side effects of uncovered and covered SEMS for the palliation of duodenal obstruction caused by pancreaticobiliary cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all patients with pancreaticobiliary cancer who underwent upper endoscopy with SEMS placement for malignant duodenal obstruction at the National Cancer Center of Korea between April 2003 and December 2010. The technical and clinical success rates of the procedure, complications, and durations of stent patency and overall survival were evaluated.

Results

We identified 70 patients with a mean age of 51.2 years (range = 39–81 years); of these, 46 (65.7 %) had pancreatic cancer, 9 (12.9 %) had bile duct cancer, 11 (15.7 %) had gallbladder cancer, and 4 (5.7 %) had cancer of the ampulla of Vater. Twenty-four patients (34.3 %) received covered SEMSs and 46 (65.7 %) received uncovered SEMSs. Technical and clinical success rates were similar for the covered and uncovered stent groups. The complication rate was higher in the covered than in the uncovered group (62.5 vs. 34.8 %, P = 0.025), due primarily to a significantly higher stent migration rate (20.8 vs. 0 %, P = 0.004). Perforation as a late complication occurred in four patients, two in each group (8.3 vs. 4.3 %, P = 0.425). Stent patency tended to be shorter for covered than for uncovered duodenal stents (13.7 ± 8.6 weeks vs. not reached, P = 0.069).

Conclusions

The use of uncovered stents may be a preferred option for duodenal obstruction secondary to pancreaticobiliary malignancies, since they were effective in preventing stent migration and tended to have longer patency than covered stents. Careful attention should be paid to signs and symptoms of perforation during follow-up.     

Endoscopic therapy for esophageal perforation or anastomotic leak with a self-expandable metallic stent

Background

Leaks of the esophagus are associated with a high mortality rate and need to be treated as soon as possible. Therapeutic options are surgical repair or resection or conservative management with cessation of oral intake and antibiotic therapy. We evaluated an alternative approach that uses self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS).

Methods

Between 2002 and 2007, 31 consecutive patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforation (n = 9), intrathoracic anastomotic leak after esophagectomy (n = 16), spontaneous tumor perforation (n = 5), and esophageal ischemia (n = 1) were treated at our institution. All were treated with endoscopic placement of a covered SEMS. Stent removal was performed 4 to 6 weeks after implantation. To exclude continuous esophageal leak after SEMS placement, radiologic examination was performed after stent implantation and removal.

Results

SEMS placement was successful in all patients and a postinterventional esophagogram demonstrated full coverage of the leak in 29 patients (92%). In two patients, complete sealing could not be achieved and they were referred to surgical repair. Stent migration was seen in only one patient (3%). After removal, a second stent with larger diameter was placed and no further complication occurred. Two patients died: one due to myocardial infarction and one due to progressive ischemia of the esophagus and small bowl as a consequence of vascular occlusion. Stent removal was performed within 6 weeks, and all patients had radiologic and endoscopic evidence of esophageal healing.

Conclusions

Implantation of covered SEMS in patients with esophageal leak or perforation is a safe and feasible alternative to operative treatment and can lower the interventional morbidity rate.     

A new technique for placement of a self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) in patients with colon rectal obstruction: a prospective study of 43 patients

Background

Self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) placement is a valid form of therapy for patients with obstructing colon rectal cancer. The procedure is not feasible for a minority of patients with a very low risk of bowel perforation. This report analyzes the results of a technical detail used for SEMS placement.

Methods

In 43 patients with colon rectal obstruction, the SEMS apparatus was introduced through a guidewire passed above the obstruction in the channel of a pediatric nasogastroscope (diameter, 4.9 mm). The pediatric nasogastroscope was passed into the obstruction and above, allowing the anatomy of the colorectal lesion and the passage of the guidewire to be visualized directly.

Results

The SEMS was inserted successfully in all cases without complications. In a previous series of 82 patients who had passage of the guidewire through the obstruction blindly, four technical failures occurred (nonsignificant difference).

Conclusions

A pediatric nasogastroscope can be useful for passing the colon rectal obstruction and guiding the passage of the guidewire under direct vision.     

Factors associated with 30-day readmission and long-term efficacy of enteral stent placement for malignancy

Background

Readmissions to the hospital within 30 days of discharge (30-day readmission rate) may impact stent use in palliative treatment of cancer.

Objective

Our objective was to investigate the incidence of readmission and factors predicting readmissions and long-term outcomes in patients with self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) placed for malignant obstruction.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent placement of SEMS from 2007 to 2012 for malignant esophageal, gastroduodenal, and colonic obstruction. Incidence and variables associated with 30-day readmission and long-term outcomes were determined.

Results

A total of 191 patients underwent stent placement. The 30-day readmission rate was 17.3 % (N = 33). Readmissions were for stent-related complications in 7.3 % (N = 14) and non-stent-related complications in 9.9 % (N = 19). Stent placement was technically successful in 185 of 191 (96.9 %) and clinically successful in 170 of 191 (89.0 %) patients. On long-term follow-up, 32 (16.8 %) patients needed re-intervention. The mean stent patency was 142 days. Readmission within 30 days was independently associated with development of early complications (<7 days) following stent placement (odds ratio [OR] 5.90; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.04–17.1), while the stent location did not impact readmission risk. On Cox regression analysis, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical classification (OR 1.36; 95 % CI 1.02–1.87) and stent location in the esophagus (OR 1.82; 95 % CI 1.10–3.02) were independently associated with long-term mortality.

Conclusions

Early complications following stent placement increase the risk of 30-day readmission. SEMS is efficacious long-term for palliation of malignant gastrointestinal obstruction.     

Comparison of treatment outcomes of endoscopic stenting for colonic and extracolonic malignant obstruction

Background

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have been used as a bridging or palliative treatment for malignant colorectal obstruction. Colonic obstruction also may arise from advanced extracolonic malignancy, but the clinical outcomes of stent placement for extracolonic malignancy are unclear. This study compared the clinical outcomes of SEMS between patients with colorectal cancer and those with extracolonic malignancy.

Methods

Patients who underwent endoscopic SEMS placement for a malignant colorectal obstruction were enrolled at Seoul National University Hospital from April 2005 and August 2011. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed in terms of success rate, complications, and duration of stent patency.

Results

Endoscopic SEMS placements were performed for colorectal cancer in 149 patients and for extracolonic malignancy in 60 patients. The causes of obstruction in extracolonic malignancy were advanced gastric cancer in 39 patients (65 %), pancreatic cancer in nine patients (15 %), ovarian cancer in three patients (5 %) and other causes in nine patients (15 %). The clinical success rates were similar between the two groups (92.6 vs 86.7 %; p = 0.688), and multivariate analysis showed no significant risk factor for unsuccessful endoscopic SEMS placement. Reobstruction in palliative endoscopic SEMS placement occurred for 16 patients with colorectal cancer (21.9 %) and 18 patients with extracolonic malignancy (30 %) during a median follow-up period of 90 days (p = 0.288). The rates did not differ significantly between the two groups (4.1 vs 8.3 %; p = 0.467). The median duration of stent patency was 193 ± 42 days for the patients with colorectal cancer and 186 ± 31 days for the patients with extracolonic malignancy (p = 0.253). The duration of stent patency was not affected by underlying malignancy, previous surgery, or palliative chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Endoscopic SEMS placement is highly effective and comparable for palliation of obstruction in extracolonic malignancy and colorectal cancer in terms of clinical success, complications, and duration of patency.     

Patient-reported outcomes in palliative gastrointestinal stenting: a Norwegian multicenter study

Background

The clinical effect of stent treatment has been evaluated by mainly physicians; only a limited number of prospective studies have used patient-reported outcomes for this purpose. The aim of this work was to study the clinical effect of self-expanding metal stents in treatment of malignant gastrointestinal obstructions, as evaluated by patient-reported outcomes, and compare the rating of the treatment effect by patients and physicians.

Methods

Between November 2006 and April 2008, 273 patients treated with SEMS for malignant GI and biliary obstructions were recruited from nine Norwegian hospitals. Patients and physicians assessed symptoms independently at the time of treatment and after 2?weeks using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 questionnaire supplemented with specific questions related to obstruction.

Results

A total of 162 patients (99 males; median age?=?72?years) completed both assessments and were included in the study. A significant improvement in the mean global health score was observed after 2?weeks (from 9 to 18 on a 0?C100 scale, P?20 on the 0?C100 scale, P?Conclusion SEMS treatment is effective in relieving symptoms of malignant GI and biliary obstruction, as reported by patients and physicians. The physicians, however, reported a larger reduction in obstructive symptoms than did the patients. A prospective assessment of patient-reported outcomes is important in evaluating SEMS treatment.     

The role of clips in preventing migration of fully covered metallic esophageal stents: a pilot comparative study

Background

Migration is the most common complication of the fully covered metallic self-expanding esophageal stent (SEMS). This study aimed to determine the potential preventive effect of proximal fixation on the mucosa by clips for patients treated with fully covered SEMS.

Methods

In this study, 44 patients (25 males, 57%) were treated with fully covered SEMS including 22 patients with esophageal stricture (4 malignant obstructions, 6 anastomotic strictures, and 12 peptic strictures) and 22 patients with fistulas or perforations (10 anastomotic leaks, 4 perforations, and 8 postbariatric surgery fistulas). The Hanarostent (n?=?25), Bonastent (n?=?5), Niti-S (n?=?12), and HV-stent (n?=?2) with diameters of 18 to 22?mm and lengths of 80 to 170?mm were used. Two to four clips (mean, 2.35?±?0.75 clips) were used consecutively in 23 patients to fix the upper flared end of the stent with the esophageal mucosal layer. Stent migration and its consequences were collected in the follow-up assessment with statistical analysis to compare the patients with and without clip placement.

Results

No complication with clip placement was observed, and the retrieval of the stent was not unsettled by the persistence of at least one clip (12 cases). Stent migration was noted in 15 patients (34%) but in only in 3 of the 23 patients with clips (13%). The number of patients treated to prevent one stent migration was 2.23. The predictive positive value of nonmigration after placement of the clip was 87%. In the multivariate analysis, the fixation with clips was the unique independent factor for the prevention of stent migration (odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.10?C0.01; p?=?0.03).

Conclusions

Anchoring of the upper flare of the fully covered SEMS with the endoscopic clip is feasible and significantly reduces stent migration.     

Newly designed large cell Niti-S stent for malignant hilar biliary obstruction: a pilot study

Background

Whether uni- or bilateral drainage should be performed for malignant hilar biliary obstruction remains a matter of debate. Moreover, endoscopic placement of bilateral metallic stents has been considered difficult and complicated. Although the Y-stent with a central wide-open mesh facilitates bilateral stent placement, it has limitations. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of the Niti-S large cell D-type biliary stent (LCD) with a uniform large cell for both uni- and bilateral drainage of malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

Methods

From April 2008 to March 2009, a total of 12 consecutive patients with unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction of Bismuth type 2 or greater underwent placement of LCD. Before LCD placement, all the patients underwent endoscopic unilateral biliary drainage using a plastic stent or a nasobiliary drainage tube. If jaundice improved after the procedure, the plastic stent or nasobiliary drainage tube was replaced with the unilateral LCD. If jaundice did not resolve or contralateral cholangitis occurred, bilateral LCD placement was performed.

Results

Seven patients had unilateral and five patients had bilateral LCD placement. Technical success was achieved for all 12 patients. An early complication occurred for one patient (8%), and stent occlusion occurred for six patients (50%) because of tumor ingrowth (n?=?4) or sludge (n?=?2). These patients were managed by insertion of plastic stents (n?=?4) or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (n?=?2). The median stent patency period was 202?days.

Conclusions

The newly designed endoscopic metallic stent may be feasible and effective for malignant hilar biliary obstruction, and endoscopic reintervention is relatively simple.     

The Impact of Intraoperative Cholangiography on Recurrent Pancreatitis and Biliary Complications in Patients with Gallstone Pancreatitis

Introduction

Although gallstone pancreatitis is initiated by the presence of stones in the common bile duct, the benefit associated with routine intraoperative cholangiography at the time of cholecystectomy in these patients is unclear. The purpose of this study, using population-based data, was to determine the impact of cholangiography on clinical outcomes after cholecystectomy for gallstone pancreatitis.

Methods

All patients who were admitted to hospital from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2001 in Nova Scotia, Canada with pancreatitis who underwent cholecystectomy during the same admission were identified. The rates of recurrent pancreatitis and biliary complications after surgery were compared between patients who underwent cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography ± common bile duct exploration and those who underwent cholecystectomy alone, using three linked administrative databases.

Results

Three hundred thirty-two patients were identified, 119 had cholangiography at the time of cholecystectomy and 213 did not. After a median follow-up of after 3.8?years, there was no difference in the rate of recurrent pancreatitis or biliary complications between those who had cholangiography ± common bile duct exploration at the time of surgery and those who did not; 13.4 versus 10.8?%, respectively (p?=?0.55).

Conclusions

These data suggest that intraoperative cholangiography does not improve outcomes after cholecystectomy for gallstone pancreatitis.     

Laparoscopic Management of Common Bile Duct Stones: Transpapillary Stenting or External Biliary Drainage?

Background:

To date, the management of common bile duct stones (CBDs) is still controversial. If laparoscopic exploration is performed and biliary decompression is needed after stone removal, the placement of a laparoscopic transpapillary stent shows promising results in avoiding T-tube–related complications.

Methods:

Between January 2007 and May 2012, a series of 48 patients who underwent biliary decompression after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) to treat choledocholithiasis was retrospectively analyzed. The results in patients with transpapillary stent placement (TS=35) were compared with those who had an external biliary drainage (EBD=13).

Results:

LCBDE and TS placement was achieved either by a choledochotomy or through the cystic duct. There was no mortality in our series. Patients with an external biliary drainage (EBD) had more surgery-related complications (P<.0001) and a longer hospital stay (P=.03). Postoperative ERCP to remove the TS was successful in all cases.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic TS is a safe method in the treatment of selected patients with CBD stones that can be achieved without having to perform a choledochotomy. Because of the lower morbidity and the shorter hospital stay compared with EBD, it should be considered as a first approach whenever biliary decompression is needed after LCBDE.     

Palliative Venting Gastrostomy in Patients with Malignant Bowel Obstruction and Ascites

Background

Fluoroscopic-guided placement of a percutaneous decompression gastrostomy tube (PDGT) is used to palliate patients with malignant bowel obstruction (MBO). We report our clinical experience in cases of MBO and ascites that were known to be technically difficult and at increased risk for complications after PDGT placement.

Methods

Between October 2005 and April 2010, a total of 89 consecutive oncology patients with MBO and ascites underwent at least one attempt at PDGT placement. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical record to collect demographic details, procedure information, and morbidity and mortality data. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to calculate median survival after PDGT.

Results

Ninety-three new gastrostomy encounters occurred in 89 patients. The primary and secondary technical success rates were 72 % (67 of 93) and 77.4 % (72 of 93), respectively. Inadequate gastric distention was the reason for failure in 84.6 % (22 of 26) of the cases in which the initial PDGT attempt was unsuccessful. For ascites management, 13 patients underwent paracentesis and 78 patients underwent placement of an intraperitoneal catheter. The overall complication rate in successful placements was 13.9 %, with a major complication rate of 9.7 %. After PDGT, the median overall survival rate was 28.5 days (95 % confidence interval 20–42).

Conclusions

PDGT is feasible in the majority of patients with MBO and ascites, although there is an inherent risk of major complications. An intraperitoneal catheter can be used to manage ascites to facilitate PDGT.     

Clinical utility of an endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous technique via various approach routes

Background

The endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous techniques (EUS-rendezvous) provide reliable biliary access after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cannulation. We evaluated the clinical utility of an EUS-rendezvous technique using various approach routes.

Methods

Patients undergoing EUS-rendezvous for biliary access after failed bile duct cannulation in ERCP were included. EUS-rendezvous was performed via three approach routes depending on the patient’s condition: transgastric, transduodenal in a short endoscopic position, or transduodenal in a long endoscopic position. The main outcomes were the technical success rates. Secondary outcomes were procedure time and complications.

Results

Fourteen patients (median age, 77 years) underwent EUS-rendezvous for biliary access resulting from failed biliary cannulation. The reasons for biliary drainage were malignant biliary obstruction in five patients and choledocholithiasis in nine. Transgastric, transduodenal in a short position, and transduodenal in a long position EUS-rendezvous was performed in five, five, and four patients, respectively. Bile duct puncture occurred in the left intrahepatic duct in four patients, right hepatic duct in one, middle common bile duct in four, and lower common bile duct in five. The technical success rate was 100 %. In four patients, the approach route was modified from transduodenal in a short position to transduodenal in a long position or transgastric route. The median procedure time was 81 min. One case each of biliary peritonitis and pancreatitis occurred and were managed conservatively.

Conclusions

EUS-rendezvous provided safe and reliable transpapillary bile duct access after failed ERCP cannulation. The selection of the appropriate approach routes, depending on patient condition, is critical.     

Endoscopic stenting for benign upper gastrointestinal strictures and leaks

Background

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) and self-expandable plastic stents (SEPS) maybe used for the treatment of benign upper gastrointestinal (GI) leaks and strictures. This study reviewed our experience with stent insertions in patients with benign upper GI conditions.

Methods

Patients who underwent stent placement for benign upper GI strictures and leaks between March 2007 and April 2011 at a tertiary referral academic center were studied using an endoscopic database and electronic patient records. The technical success, complications, and clinical improvement after stent removal were compared according to type of stent. The outcomes measured were clinical response, adverse events, and predictors of stent migration.

Results

Thirty-eight patients (50 % male, mean age = 54 years, range = 12–82) underwent 121 endoscopic procedures. Twenty patients had stents placed for strictures, and 18 had stents placed for leaks. Stent placement was technically successful in all patients. The average duration of stent placement was 54 days (range = 18–118). Clinical improvement immediately after stent placement was seen in 29 of the 38 patients (76.3 %). Immediate post-procedure adverse events occurred in 8 patients. Late adverse events were seen in 18 patients. Evidence of stent migration occurred in 16 patients and was seen in 42 of the 118 successfully placed stents (35.5 %). Migration was more frequent with fully covered SEMS (p = 0.002). After stent removal, 27 patients were evaluable for long-term success (median follow-up time of 283 days, IQR 38–762). Resolution of strictures or leaks was seen in 11 patients (40.7 %). Predictors for long-term success included increasing age and if the stent did not cross the GE junction.

Conclusions

Placement of SEPS and SEMS for benign refractory strictures and fistulas has modest long-term clinical efficacy and is limited by a significant migration rate. Stent migration is common and frequent with fully covered SEMS compared to other types of stents, regardless of indication or location.     

Outcome of palliative self-expanding metal stent placement in malignant colorectal obstruction according to stent type and manufacturer

Background

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) of varying designs and materials have been developed to reduce complications, but few comparative data are available with regard to the type of stent and the stent manufacturer. We analyzed the success rates and complication rates, according to stent type (uncovered vs. covered stent) and individual stent manufacturer, in malignant colorectal obstruction.

Methods

From November 2001 to August 2008, 103 patients were retrospectively included in this study: four types of uncovered stents in 73 patients and two types of covered stents in 30 patients. The SEMS was inserted into the obstructive site by using the through-the-scope method.

Results

Technical and clinical success rates were not different between stent type or among stent manufacturers: 100 and 100% (p?=?ns) and 100 and 96.6% (p?>?0.05), respectively, in uncovered and covered stents. Stent occlusion and migration rates were 12.3 and 3.3% (p?=?0.274) and 13.7 and 16.7% (p?=?0.761), respectively, in uncovered and covered stents, and 11.1, 5, and 9% (p?=?0.761) and 25.9, 15, and 0% (p?=?0.037) in Wallstent, Niti-S, and Bonastent uncovered stents, respectively.

Conclusions

The placement of SEMS is an effective and safe treatment for patients with malignant colorectal obstruction. Although minor differences in outcome were detected according to the type and the manufacturer of the stents, no statistically significant difference was observed, except in stent migration among the stent manufacturer.