Expandable metal stent placement for benign colorectal obstruction: outcomes for 23 cases

Background Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are an established treatment for palliation of malignant colorectal strictures and as a bridge to surgery for acute malignant colonic obstruction. Patients with benign colonic strictures may benefit from stent placement, but little data exist for this indication. Methods All cases of colonic stent placement identified from a prospectively collected gastrointestinal database from April 1999 to August 2006 were reviewed. During the study period, 23 patients with benign obstructive disease underwent endoscopic SEMS placement. The etiologies of the stricture were diverticular/inflammatory (n = 16), postsurgical anastomotic (n = 3), radiation-induced (n = 3), and Crohn’s (n = 1) disease. All strictures were located in the left colon. Five patients had an associated colonic fistula. Uncovered Enteral Wallstents or Ultraflex Precision Colonic stents (Boston Scientific) were endoscopically placed in all but one patient. Results Stent placement was technically successful for all 23 patients, and obstruction was relieved for 22 patients (95%). Major complications occurred in 38% of the patients including migration (n = 2), reobstruction (n = 4), and perforation (n = 2). Of these major complications, 87% occurred after 7 days. Four patients did not undergo an operation. Of the 19 patients who underwent planned surgical resection, 16 were successfully decompressed and converted from an emergent operation to an elective one with a median time to surgical resection of 12 days (range, 2 days to 18 months). Surgery was delayed more than 30 days after stent placement for six of these patients. Of the 19 patients who underwent a colectomy, 8 (42%) did not need a stoma after stent insertion. Conclusions SEMS can effectively decompress high-grade, benign colonic obstruction, thereby allowing elective surgery. The use of SEMS can offer medium-term symptom relief for benign colorectal strictures, but this approach is associated with a high rate of delayed complications. Thus, if elective surgery is planned, data from this small study suggest that it should be performed within 7 days of stent placement. Podium presentation at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Esophageal Surgeons (SAGES), 18–22 April 2007 at Las Vegas, NV, USA     

Self‐expanding metallic stents for acute left‐sided large‐bowel obstruction: a review of 130 patients

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of self‐expanding metallic stent (SEMS) placement in acute left‐sided large‐bowel obstruction. Method From 1997 to 2008, 130 patients [mean 67 (SD 14.7)] underwent SEMS insertion for acute left‐sided large‐bowel obstruction. One‐hundred and one procedures were palliative, and 29 patients underwent stent insertion as a bridge for surgery. The success rate and the outcome were analysed. Results The chief causes of obstruction were primary (67%) and recurrent (16%) colorectal carcinoma. The success rate was 88% after insertion of the first stent. In nine patients, insertion of a second stent was required. Complications occurred in 20% of the insertions, with migration (10.8%) being the most common. Perforation occurred in two patients and one developed a colovesical fistula. In patients with palliative stenting, 14 (13.9%) required subsequent surgery, with a stoma placed in all except three. Among the 29 patients who underwent SEMS insertion as a bridge to surgery, subsequent surgical resection was performed in 26 patients at a mean interval of 12 days (SD 18.0). Primary anastomosis was performed in 24 patients. The mean survival for those who underwent SEMS insertion as a bridge to surgery was 40 (95% confidence interval: 24–55) months. Conclusion SEMS placement is safe and effective in relieving acute left‐sided colonic obstruction. It allows subsequent definitive surgery on an elective setting and also serves as good palliation for advanced or disseminated disease.     

Bowel function following insertion of self-expanding metallic stents for palliation of colorectal cancer

Objective Self‐expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are an important addition to the treatment of large bowel obstruction. The aim of this study was firstly to assess bowel function following SEMS placement and secondly to identify any potential factors which might aid in the prediction of technical failure of stent insertion. Methods A review of all patients undergoing attempted SEMS placement for palliation of malignant left‐sided colorectal obstruction over a four‐year period (1st May 2000–30th April 2004) was performed. Results Twenty‐one patients (12 male) with a median age of 76 years (range 48–92 years) were included, 11 with metastatic disease and 10 severe comorbidity. SEMS insertion was technically successful in 16 (76%) of 21 cases. Contrast successfully passed through the obstructing lesion in all 16 cases where SEMS placement was technically successful. It only passed through 1 of 5 cases where stenting was not possible (P = 0.0008, Fisher's Exact test). Complications included colonic perforation (1 case), stent migration (1 case) and tumour ingrowth requiring a second stent (1 case). Median survival after SEMS was 12 months (range 1–30 months), and 9 patients died during follow‐up. Median bowel frequency following SEMS was 3.5 times per day (range 1–7). Eight patients always passed a liquid stool, 3 others regularly required laxatives and one further patient with poor function after stenting requested a defunctioning stoma. Conclusion Failure of contrast to pass through the obstructing lesion may predict those cases where stenting will not be technically possible. Median survival following SEMS insertion is encouraging in this series, but bowel function is often poor. Expected bowel function should be discussed fully when consenting patients for a SEMS, particularly those with metastatic disease who are otherwise fit for resectional surgery.     

Clinical use of the self-expanding metallic stent in the management of colorectal cancer

PURPOSE: This report describes our experience with the use of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) in the management of obstructing colorectal cancer. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing placement of SEMS between May 1997 and January 2000 was performed. RESULTS: Insertion of SEMS was attempted in 12 patients. Successful stent placement was achieved in 10 of the 12 patients. The locations of lesions were hepatic flexure (2), splenic flexure (1), left colon (1), sigmoid colon (4) and rectum (4). The intended uses of SEMS were for palliation in 3 patients and as a bridge to elective surgery in 9. In the latter group, SEMS placement allowed for preoperative bowel preparation in 4 patients and administration of neoadjuvant therapy prior to elective surgery in 2 patients. One patient died prior to definitive surgery. Stent placement was unsuccessful in 2 patients. Three SEMS-related complications occurred; 1 stent migrated and 1 stent obstructed secondary to tumor ingrowth. One patient died 13 days after stent placement and colonic decompression. CONCLUSION: SEMS represent a useful tool in the management of obstructing colorectal neoplasms. As a bridge to surgery, SEMS provide time for a complete preoperative evaluation and a mechanical bowel preparation and may obviate the need for fecal diversion or on-table lavage. It may also allow for time to administer neoadjuvant therapy when indicated. As a palliative measure, SEMS can eliminate the need for an operation.     

Palliative Stenting for Late Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGO) is a late complication of pancreatobiliary and gastric cancers. Although surgical gastrojejunostomy provides good palliation, many of these patients may be nonoperative candidates or underwent previous extensive resection such as a Whipple procedure. Recently, endoscopically placed self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) have been used to palliate MGO. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of SEMS for palliation of late MGO. Medical records of patients with endoscopic placement of SEMS for palliation of MGO were reviewed. Results showed that 30 patients with MGO had SEMS placed for late gastroduodenal (n = 20) or jejunal (n = 10) obstruction. Twenty-one patients (70%) had previous surgery. Return to oral feeding was observed in 90% of patients who presented with recurrent obstruction after prior bypass surgery and in 88% of nonoperative patients in whom SEMS were placed as the primary therapy for obstruction. No major complications were observed, and median survival after SEMS was 4.1 months (0.1 to 10.5 months). SEMS also did not interfere with biliary drainage. In conclusion, endoscopically placed SEMS are safe and provide good palliation for late malignant gastroduodenal and jejunal strictures and are an excellent complement to recurrent obstruction after surgical gastrojejunostomy. This paper was presented at the 45th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, New Orleans, Louisiana, May 14–20, 2004 (poster presentation).     

Safety and efficacy of metallic stents in the management of colorectal obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The use of self-expandable metallic stents in the management of obstructing colorectal cancer has been described with increasing frequency in the literature. Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy and associated morbidity of the use of self-expandable metallic stents to relieve colorectal obstruction at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent colorectal stent placement between December 2001 and December 2003 in a tertiary referral center was performed. RESULTS: Stents were placed successfully in 17 of 21 patients (81%) with colorectal obstruction. Placement was achieved endoscopically in 13 patients and radiologically in 4. Ten self-expandable metallic stents were used as a bridge to surgery, and 7 were used for palliation. The obstructions were located in the sigmoid colon (11 patients), the rectosigmoid (3), the splenic flexure, the hepatic flexure, and the rectum. Malignant obstruction was noted in 14 patients. One patient with malignancy experienced a sigmoid perforation, and 2 patients with benign disease had complications (1 stent migration and 1 re-obstruction). Stent patency in obstruction secondary to colonic adenocarcinoma was 100% in our follow-up period (range, 5 to 15 months). CONCLUSIONS: The use of stents as a bridge to surgery is associated with low morbidity, allows for bowel preparation, and thus avoids the need for a temporary colostomy. Long-term patency suggests that stents may allow for the avoidance of an operation in patients with metastatic disease and further defines their role in the palliation of malignant obstruction. Further prospective randomized studies are necessary to fully elucidate the use of stents in the management of colorectal cancer.     

Self-expanding metallic stent insertion in the proximal colon

Objective Colonic obstruction may be relieved by the insertion of a self‐expanding metallic stent (SEMS), either for permanent palliative relief or as a bridge to surgery. Lesions proximal to the descending colon can be more difficult to intubate and stent [ 1 ]. SEMS placement in the more proximal colon lesions has been reported in only a few cases [ 2 , 4 ]. The aim of this study was to review the outcome of SEMS for obstruction at the splenic flexure and above. Method A study of all colonic stents inserted in one specialist unit was undertaken. Patients’ demographics, site and aetiology of the underlying obstruction, success or other outcome of the procedures were collected. Thirty‐day morbidity and mortality were documented. Results Seven patients had proximal lesions: four in the transverse colon and three at the splenic flexure. Six patients had colorectal carcinoma and one had extrinsic compression from a gastric carcinoma. Six of the SEMS were inserted for permanent palliation, and one as a bridge to surgery. Stent placement was technically successful in six of the seven patients. In the seventh patient, there was a failure of expansion of the stent, after successful intubation of the lesion, which was in the distal transverse colon. One patient suffered from minor self‐limiting abdominal pain in the first 24 h after the procedure. There was no other SEMS related morbidity or mortality. All of the successfully stented patients were discharged from the surgical ward within 3 days after the procedure. Median survival time was 4.3 months (range 3–12 months). Three patients are still alive. Conclusion The SEMS is a useful tool in managing acute bowel obstruction. Placement of colonic stents proximal to the descending colon is safe, feasible and effective.     

Self expanding wall stents in malignant colorectal cancer: is complete obstruction a contraindication to stent placement?

Objective  Technical failures have previously been associated with complete clinical obstruction and complete block to the retrograde flow of gastrograffin is considered by some to be a contraindication to the procedure. We report on the technical and clinical success rates of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) in both complete and incomplete obstruction in a prospective series of malignant colorectal obstructions.
Method  A prospective study of all patients undergoing attempted palliative and bridge to surgery SEMS placement for malignant colorectal obstruction over a 7-year period (April 1999–October 2006) was undertaken.
Results  Seventy-two patients (49 males) with a mean age of 71 years (range 49–98) were included. Technical success was achieved in 27 of 32 patients (84%) with complete obstruction and 33 of 36 patients (92%) with incomplete obstruction, P  < 0.46, Fishers exact test. Clinical success was achieved in 17 of 26 patients (65%) with complete obstruction and 24 of 33 patients (73%) with incomplete obstruction, P  < 0.58, Fishers exact test. Although placed correctly in 89% cases, relief of symptoms occurred in only 71%, P  = 0.002, matched pairs test. There were two colonic perforations in the series with one procedure related death.
Conclusion  Placement of SEMS for obstructing colorectal cancer is technically successful in a high proportion of cases. Complete radiological obstruction is not a contraindication to stent placement. The relief of obstructive symptoms following successful placement of a wall stent is less predictable.     

Adoption of self-expanding metallic stents in the palliative treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer-look out for perforations!

Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMSs) are increasingly used for the palliative treatment of inoperable colorectal cancer. The aim of the current study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of SEMS in the palliative treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer. Between 2003 and 2006, SEMS placement was attempted in 26 patients suffering from inoperable obstructive colorectal cancer. The recovery of the patients and the outcome of this treatment modality were analyzed prospectively. SEMS was successfully inserted in 19 (73%) of 26 patients. In 16 (84%) of these 19 cases, the placement of SEMS was the definitive treatment of colorectal obstruction and no additional surgical palliation was needed. There were 3 (16%) colonic perforations related to stent application. SEMS insertion seems to be an effective alternative in the palliative treatment of patients with malignant colorectal obstruction. However, perforation is a dangerous complication of the procedure.     

Large bowel obstruction due to colorectal carcinoma can be safely treated by colonic stent insertion – case series from a UK district general hospital

Aim The aim of this study is to audit our outcomes and experience of colonic stent insertion for malignant bowel obstruction. Method Retrospective audit of all stent insertions in a single district general hospital between August 2003 and December 2009. All patients had presented with acute bowel obstruction caused by malignant colorectal disease and details were collected prospectively and contemporaneously onto a database. Stent insertion was a combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic procedure involving a colorectal surgeon and consultant radiologist. Results Stenting was attempted on 62 occasions in 54 patients. The technical success rate was 86% and the clinical success rate 84%. The indications for stenting were for relief of acute bowel obstruction, palliation and as a bridge to surgery. There were complications in 14 cases (22.5%) including three perforations and one perioperative mortality. There were three cases of stent migration, six cases of re‐stenosis and two stents became impacted with stool. There were no incidents of acute or delayed haemorrhage in any patients. Conclusion Our experience shows that stenting for obstructing colorectal cancer is a safe and effective method of alleviating acute and impending bowel obstruction and can be provided safely and effectively in a district general hospital.     

Unresectable Malignant Biliary Obstruction: Treatment by Self-Expandable Biliary Endoprostheses

The primary goal in the treatment of malignant obstruction is the relief of jaundice. Although operative biliary bypass is a reliable method of palliation, nonoperative palliation may be desirable in selected patients.We report our experience with forty-eight self expandable metallic biliary endoprostheses (Wallstent) percutaneously placed in 35 patients with irresectable malignant biliary obstruction. In twelve patients more than one stent was necessary to bridge the entire length of the biliary stenosis. The obstruction was due to primary tumors in 14 and to lymph node metastases in 12. In nine patients transanastomotic stents were placed after previous bilioenteric anastomosis because of malignant obstruction. Complications occurred in 11 patients (31.4%), and five patients died within 30 days of stent placement (14.3%). The mean stent patency to date of patients discharged is 6.1 months, and the mean survival 7.2 months. Follow up data is available for 29 patients, and excellent palliation was achieved for more than 75% of the survival time in 22 (76%). Seven patients have had documented stent occlusion requiring further intervention (24%).In this selected group of patients, the results of percutaneous self-expandable stents are encouraging. However, our data does not support the initial reports of self-expandable endoprostheses that suggest an improved result compared to conventional plastic stents. A randomized study using either expandable stents as compared to operative biliary enteric bypass is necessary.     

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.     

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.     

Palliative therapy of colorectal carcinoma: stent or surgery?

“Surgical” palliation of obstructing colorectal carcinomas may involve resection with or without stoma formation, formation of a stoma alone, a colonic bypass procedure, or no procedure at all. Palliative surgical procedures confer a significant morbidity and mortality. Factors associated with increased mortality for colorectal cancer include advancing age of patient, advancing stage of the disease and the necessity for an emergency procedure. Advanced obstructing malignant lesions pose a clinical dilemma as the risks and time of recovery from surgery have to be balanced against providing a dignified quality of remaining life. Self expanding metal stents (SEMS) for acutely obstructing advanced colorectal carcinomas provide a cost effective option that avoids surgery in a usually frail group of patients. They can be inserted under sedation, rapidly decompress the colon and lead to an early return of colonic function. The procedure is carried out endoscopically with radiological assistance to determine a lumen and to confirm adequate stent placement. SEMS are not suitable for low rectal lesions and are more difficult to place in those that traverse colonic flexures. Complications from successful SEMS placement include migration and stent occlusion. The morbidity associated with SEMS is associated with migration or perforation of the colon during placement, pain and less commonly haemorrhage. Despite these problems most patients can be successfully decompressed without further endoscopic or surgical reintervention and allow satisfactory palliation.     

Placement of self-expanding metal stents for acute malignant large-bowel obstruction: a collective review

Background The purpose of this study was to review our experience with self-expanding metal stents as the initial interventional approach in the management of acute malignant large-bowel obstruction. Methods Twenty-six patients who underwent placement of colonic stents at our institution between June 1994 and June 2000 were identified and reviewed. Results In 14 patients, the stents were placed for palliation, whereas in 12, they were placed as a bridge to surgery. In 22 patients (85%), stent placement was successful on the first occasion. In the remaining four individuals, one was successfully stented at the second occasion, and three required emergency surgery. Nine of the 12 patients (75%) in the bridge-to-surgery group underwent elective colon resection. In the palliative group, four patients (29%) had reobstruction of the stents, and in one (9%), the stent migrated. In the remaining nine patients (64%), the stent was patent until the patient died or until the time of last follow-up (median, 156 days). Conclusions In our experience with 26 patients who developed a complete bowel obstruction as a consequence of a malignant tumor, placement of colonic stents to achieve immediate nonoperative decompression proved to be both safe and effective. Subsequent elective resection was accomplished in the majority of resectable cases.     

Elective (planned) colectomy in patients with colorectal obstruction after placement of a self-expanding metallic stent as a bridge to surgery: the results of a prospective study

Introduction  Acute malignant colorectal obstruction (CRO) can be satisfactorily dealt by the placement of a self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the rate of elective (planned) colectomy (EPC) in patients with CRO after SEMS placement as a bridge to surgery on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis.
Method  From 2002 to 2007, 30 SEMS were placed as a bridge to surgery in 30 CRO patients (median age 73 ± 12 years). The obstructing lesions were located in the right ( n  = 1), transverse ( n  = 1) or left colon ( n  = 24) or the upper third of the rectum ( n  = 4).
Results  The SEMS was placed successfully in 25 (83%) patients. Five patients underwent Hartmann's procedure ( n  = 2) or a diverting colostomy ( n  = 3). The SEMS was functionally operational in 23 (92%) of the 25 patients. A diverting colostomy was avoided in 23 (77%) of the 30 patients (placement failure n  = 5, clinical failure n  = 2). There were no complications in 17 (80%) patients. On an ITT basis, 70% of the patients (21 out of 30) underwent an EPC.
Conclusion  On an ITT basis, SEMS placement in CRO patients enabled EPC in 70% of patients.     

Adjuvant therapies using biliary stenting for malignant biliary obstruction

The aim of this study was to analyze the patency of expandable metallic stents in malignant biliary obstruction and to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant therapy accompanied by biliary stenting. We analyzed 29 patients in whom bile duct stenting was performed for malignant biliary obstruction. Their types of disease were: hilar ductal carcinoma (n = 8), gallbladder carcinoma (n = 11), and pancreatic carcinoma (n = 10). Initially, 46 expandable metallic stents were placed in 29 patients. In 23 of the 29 patients, adjuvant therapy was administered. Seventeen patients underwent radiotherapy, and 16 patients received various systemic chemotherapies. In principle, hyperthermia was performed twice a week, simultaneously with radiotherapy. Patient survival and the probability of stent patency were calculated using actuarial life table analysis. There was no significant difference in stent patency among the patients according to type of disease. Hyperthermia did not influence the stent patency rate. The median stent patency time was significantly greater in the chemo-radiation group than in the no-adjuvant therapy group: 182 days versus 68 days, respectively (P = 0.017). Moreover, a significant increase was seen in the median survival time in the chemo-radiation group: 261 days versus 109 days (P = 0.0337). Complications occurred in 9 patients (31.0%). Stent occlusion occurred in 6 patients (20.7%), with all of these patients managed successfully using a transhepatically placed new expandable metallic stent, employing the stent-in-stent method. Stent migration occurred in 2 patients after radiotherapy. Adjuvant therapies such as radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy, in combination with stent insertion, resulted in an increase in the patency period of expandable metallic stents and in increased patient survival time. Received: August 18, 2000 / Accepted: December 1, 2000     

Self-expanding Polyflex plastic stents in esophageal disease: various indications,complications, and outcomes

Background Esophageal stenting has become an important technique in the treatment of different clincal problems such as malignant or benign stenosis, anastomotic leaks after surgery, or fistulas. In this study we present our experience with the self-expanding Polyflex plastic stent in various indications, arising complications, and patient’s outcomes. Methods Over a three-year period, 35 patients underwent self-expanding Polyflex plastic stent placement for esophageal stenosis (n = 23) with 22 malignant, and for perforations, fistulas, or anastomotic leaks after surgery (n = 12). The short-term efficacy and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results In patients with stenosis, implantation was performed without any complications in 91% (21/23). In one patient perforation occurred while passing the stenosis; in another patient the stent dislocated during the insertion procedure. Dysphagia score improved from 3.0 to 1.0 after stenting. In all patients with perforations, fistulas, or anastomotic leaks (n = 12), stents were placed successfully without any complication. Complete sealing of the mucosal defect was proven by radiography in 92% (n = 11) and healing was seen in 42% (n = 5). If indicated, stent removal was performed without any complications. Stent migration (n = 13; 37%) was the most common long-term complication. Conclusions The placement of self-expanding Polyflex plastic stents is a highly sufficient and cost-effective treatment for malignant and benign esophageal disorders. Because the long-term results were highly favorable, self-expanding plastic stent placement could be used as the initial treatment for various conditions.     

SELF-EXPANDABLE METAL STENTS FOR MALIGNANT DYSPHAGIA

Background : The use of self-expandable metal stents in relieving dysphagia for patients with incurable malignant oesophageal strictures was retrospectively evaluated. Methods : Between September 1993 and August 1996, 66 male and 16 female patients with a median age of 72 years received self-expandable metal stents for malignant dysphagia. Six patients had concurrent tracheo-oesophageal fistulas. All patients were stented under sedation and stent insertion was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Results : Stent placement was successful in 80 patients (98%). There were seven early complications (inaccurate positioning (n = 3), migration (n = 1), incomplete expansion (n = 1), intractable pain (n = 1), and perforation (n = 1)). Two complications were lethal and three were treated endoscopically. Mean dysphagia grade improved from 3.2 ± 0.7 to 1.8 ± 0.9 (P < 0.05) after implantation. All tracheo-esophageal fistulas were successfully occluded. Upon a median follow-up of 8 weeks (range: 2–20 weeks), 30 complications developed in 21 patients (tumour overgrowth (n = 15), food bolus obstruction (n = 7), tumour ingrowth (n = 2), buckling of stent (n = 2), tracheo-esophageal fistula (n = 2), bleeding (n = 1), and gastric wall herniation through metal coils (n = 1)). Median survival was 13 weeks (range: 1–82 weeks). Conclusion : Self-expandable metal stents provide useful palliation in patients with incurable malignant dysphagia.     

Management of malignant left-sided large bowel obstruction: a comparison between colonic stents and surgery

Background: Management of distal malignant large bowel obstruction (LBO) remains challenging. Acute surgical intervention is often associated with poorer clinical outcome compared to an elective procedure. Self‐expandable metallic stents (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery (BTS) or palliation remain controversial and are not yet widely available. Methods: From 1998 to 2008, a retrospective analysis of the patients presenting with an acute malignant LBO to The Tweed Public and John Flynn Private Hospitals was performed. Results: Fifty‐six admissions with malignant distal colonic obstruction were reviewed. On an intention to treat, patients underwent either stent 30 or surgery 26. American Association of Anaesthetists (ASA) scores, obesity rates and palliative procedures were all higher in the stent group. Inpatient deaths numbered four (two stent group, two surgery group). The technical success of inserted stents was 29/30, while clinical success was 27/30. Complications both medical, surgical and intensive care unit admissions were more common in the surgical group. Length of stay was 8.5 days for stent and 17.7 days for surgery. Of the 25 successful stent survivors, 14 were palliative and 11 were BTS. Conclusions: SEMS are effective in treatment of LBO either as palliation or BTS. They are associated with an overall better outcome and improved quality of life of patients. Surgery is indicated where SEMS are unavailable or have failed.