Application of a self-expanding metallic stent to a strictured esophagojejunostomy

Anastomotic Recurrence of Gastric Cancer after Total Gastrectomy with Esophagojejunostomy: Palliation with Covered Expandable Metallic Stents

PURPOSE

To assess the technical feasibility, safety, and clinical effectiveness of the placement of expandable metallic stents in patients with anastomotic recurrence of gastric cancer after total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed data from 32 patients in whom metallic stents were placed for recurrent obstruction after total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy. Technical and clinical success and complications with related interventions were evaluated. Overall survival and stent patency rates were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Stent placement was technically successful in 30 of the 32 patients (94%). After stent placement, 29 patients (91%) experienced improvement of their symptoms. Fourteen complications occurred after stent placement, and these consisted of pain (n = 5, 16%), stent migration (n = 3, 9%), stent obstruction due to tumor overgrowth (n = 4, 13%), and abutment of the tortuous jejunal wall by the end of the stent (n = 2, 6%). In one of five patients with pain, the stent was removed 4 hours after placement because the pain could not be controlled with analgesics. The median survival and stent patency period were 87.0 and 140.0 days, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Placement of covered metallic stents in patients with anastomotic recurrence of gastric cancer after total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy is technically feasible, safe, and clinically effective.

Salvage of a massive esophago-tracheal fistula resulting from a stenting treatment

We report the successful surgical resolution of a case of massive esophago-tracheal fistula (ETF) caused by a stenting treatment for stricture of an esophago-gastric anastomosis. A 54-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to serious pneumonia secondary to ETF. He had previously received esophagectomy and post-operative chemo-radiation therapy for esophageal cancer, followed by stenting treatments for a benign stricture of the esophago-gastric anastomosis. For surgical treatment of the resulting ETF, serial operations were required. The first operation, performed under percutaneous cardiopulmonary support, included removal of the stents followed by tracheotomy, were with the coverage of the tracheal defect achieved using both major pectoral muscle flaps. A salivary fistula was also generated and an enteral nutrition tube was placed. Six months after the first operation, a pedicled ileocolic interposition was performed in order to effect reconstruction of the digestive tube, with an additional microvascular anastomosis of the ileocolic and internal thoracic artery and vein. After the second operation, the patient's ability to ingest food was restored, and he was discharged from the hospital. Thus, ETF was successfully treated by successive surgical operations with delicate intra- and post-operative respiratory management.

Expandable metallic stents should not be used in the treatment of benign esophageal strictures

Expandable metallic stents have become popular in recent years for the treatment of esophageal strictures. While they are undoubtedly of great value in the palliation of malignant strictures and tracheo-esophageal fistulas, there is concern over their use for the treatment of benign diseases. We report three cases, in which such problems were seen following stent insertion for benign esophageal strictures. All three patients developed further strictures above the stents, one was complicated by a tracheo-esophageal fistula and two stents (in one patient) migrated distally into the stomach. Two of the patients underwent subsequent esophageal surgery. In both cases, this proved extremely difficult and hazardous because of the intense fibrotic reaction induced by the stents. Expandable mesh stents should not be used for the treatment of benign esophageal strictures without careful consideration of the potential problems, which can include rendering the problem inoperable.

Expandable metallic esophageal stents in benign disease: a cause for concern

Over a 2-year period at our institution, 6 patients underwent metallic stent treatment, 5 for malignant conditions and 1 for a benign condition of the esophagus. The use of expandable metallic stents for benign strictures has paralleled malignant indications but is limited and less understood from a clinical standpoint. A review of current literature in the treatment of benign strictures is presented. Treatment of benign strictures is associated with high morbidity and mortality as demonstrated by the cumulative experience of 21 patients. Migration, hyperplastic tissue obstruction at the terminal ends, reflux, and complications of perforation occur at a prohibitive rate. We conclude that expandable metallic stents should be reserved for palliative treatment of esophageal malignant obstructions and tracheoesophageal fistulas. Pharmacological management, necessary dilatations and operative corrections (antireflux procedures, esophagectomy) are recommended treatments for benign strictures.