Esophageal stents in malignant and benign disorders

The Role of Self-Expandable Metallic Stents in the Treatment of Malignant Strictures in all Segments of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Objectives

Management of malignant gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction presents a significant challenge. Most patients are in a profoundly decompensated state due to underlying malignancy and are not ideal candidates for invasive surgical procedures. Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are used to provide permanent or temporary patency in all endoscopically accessible stenosis of the GI tract. In this study, it is aimed to analyse the characteristics and the efficacy of patients with malignant stenosis treated with SEMS, in all segments of the GI tract.

Material and Methods

The sample consisted of 60 patients who underwent SEMS replacement, between 10 March 2014 and 16 December 2020, to treat malignant-related strictures in the GI tract at the Gastroenterology Department of the Health Sciences University Umraniye Training and Research Hospital. The data of the patients, hospital data processing database and electronic endoscopic database records were retrospectively scanned and recorded. The general characteristics of the patients and the treatment-related features were analysed.

Results

The mean age of patients who were placed SEMS was 69.7 ± 13.7 years. Uncovered (15%, n: 9), fully covered (13.3%, n: 8), or partially covered (71.6%, n: 43) SEMS were successfully placed in all patients. Clinical success in patients with SEMS was 85.7% in the esophagus, 100% in the small intestine and 90.9% in the stomach and colon. About 11.4% migration, 14.2% pain, 11.4% overgrowth and 5.7% ingrowth were detected in patients who had SEMS placed in the oesophagus. Pain was detected in 9.1% and ingrowth in 18.2% of patients who had SEMS placed in the stomach. Pain was detected in 18.2% of the patients who had SEMS placed in the colon and migration was found in 9.1%.

Conclusion

SEMS implant is a minimally invasive effective method in the palliative treatment of malignant strictures of the GI tract.

Poly(lactic acid)-hyperbranched polyglycerol nanoparticles enhance bioadhesive treatment of esophageal disease and reduce systemic drug exposure

The effective treatment of esophageal disease represents a significant unmet clinical need, as existing treatments often lead to unnecessary systemic drug exposure and suboptimal concentrations at the disease site. Here, surface-modified bioadhesive poly(lactic acid)-hyperbranched polyglycerol nanoparticles (BNPs), with an average 100-200 nm diameter, were developed for local and sustained esophageal drug delivery. BNPs showed significantly higher adhesion and permeation into ex vivo human and rat esophageal tissue than non-adhesive nanoparticles (NNPs) and had longer residence times within the rat esophagus in vivo. Incubation with human esophagus (Het-1A) cells confirmed BNPs' biocompatibility at clinically relevant concentrations. In a rat model of achalasia, nifedipine-loaded BNPs significantly enhanced esophageal drug exposure, increased therapeutic efficacy, and reduced systemic drug exposure compared to NNPs and free drug. The safety of BNPs was demonstrated by an absence of intestinal, hepatic, and splenic toxicity following administration. This study is the first to demonstrate the efficacy of BNPs for esophageal drug delivery and highlight their potential for improving the lives of patients suffering with esophageal conditions.

How much progress have we made?: a 20-year experience regarding esophageal stents for the palliation of malignant dysphagia

Esophageal stents are widely used for the palliation of malignant esophageal obstruction. Advances in technology have made esophageal stenting technically feasible and widespread for such obstruction, but complications remain frequent. We present outcomes of a large cohort undergoing esophageal stent placement for malignant esophageal obstruction at a tertiary care cancer center. Patients who underwent placement of esophageal stents for malignancy-related esophageal obstruction between 1 January 2001 and 31 July 2020 were identified. Exclusion criteria included stents placed for benign stricture, fistulae, obstruction of proximal esophagus (proximal to 24 cm from incisors), or post-surgical indications. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, procedure and stent characteristics, complications, and follow-up. A total of 242 patients underwent stent placement (median age: 64 years, 79.8% male). The majority, 204 (84.3%), had esophageal cancer. During the last two decades, there has been an increasing trend in the number of esophageal stents placed. Though plastic stents were previously used, these are no longer utilized. Complications are frequent and include early complications of pain in 68 (28.1%) and migration in 21 (8.7%) and delayed complications of recurrent symptoms of dysphagia in 46 (19.0%) and migration in 26 (10.7%). Over the study period, there has not been a significant improvement in the rate of complications. During follow-up, 92 (38%) patients required other enteral nutrition modalities after esophageal stent placement. No patient, treatment, or stent characteristics were significantly associated with stent complication or outcome. Esophageal stent placement is an increasingly popular method for palliation of malignant dysphagia. However, complications, particularly pain, migration, and recurrent symptoms of dysphagia are common. Almost 40% of patients may also require other methods of enteral access after esophageal stent placement. Given the high complication rates and suboptimal outcomes, removable stents should be considered as first-line in the case of poor palliative response.

The role of endoscopic dilation and stents in refractory benign esophageal strictures: a retrospective analysis

Background

The outcomes of patients with refractory benign esophageal strictures (RBES) are unclear, and the clinical efficacy of dilation versus stent placement is lacking. Our objective was to explore the role of endoscopic dilation and stents placement in the management of RBES.

Methods

RBES patients treated with dilation and stents in our hospital between January 2009 and December 2017 were included in this study. The primary outcomes were to assess clinical effectiveness and adverse events. The secondary outcome was to identify factors that predicted the dysphagia-free period.

Results

Among 75 RBES patients (54 male; median age 59 years), 39 (52%), 20 (26.7%), 3 (4%), 10 (13.3%), and 3 (4%), were postsurgical, post-ESD, achalasia of cardia, caustic and mixed etiology, respectively. The median number of endoscopic therapy was 5 times (range 3, 21). Endoscopic therapy was successful in 46 patients (61.3%). Patients treated with dilation showed a higher success rate (70.9%, 39/55) than that treated with stents (35%, 7/20). Fifteen patients died during follow-up. Nineteen patients had adverse events after endoscopic therapy. In total, the mean dysphagia-free period was 3.4 months (95% CI, 2.5–4.3). The patients treated with dilation demonstrated a dysphagia-free period of 3.7 months (95% CI, 2.7–5), while patients treated with stents displayed a dysphagia-free period of 2.3 months (95% CI, 1.5–3). The dysphagia-free period had a linear growth trend over time, with an increase of 12 days per endoscopic therapy.

Conclusion

The dysphagia-free period increased by 12 days per endoscopic therapy, so the endoscopic therapy tended to be effective in patients with RBES by increasing the dysphagia-free period. However, compared to dilation therapy, stent therapy was not effective in increasing the dysphasia-free period and reducing the times and frequency of dilation. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses also indicated that etiology may predict the endoscopic therapy outcome.

Trial registration

This study was retrospectively registered and approved by the Ethics Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University (IRB number: ChiCTR1800016321).

A Review of Self-Expanding Esophageal Stents for the Palliation Therapy of Inoperable Esophageal Malignancies

Esophageal cancer is a very deadly disease, killing more than 15,000 people in the United States annually. Almost 400,000 new cases happen in the worldwide every year. More than 50% esophageal cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage when they need an esophageal stent to open the blocked esophagus for feeding and drinking. Esophageal stents have evolved in stages over the years. Current clinically used stents commonly include stainless steel or nitinol self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) and self-expandable plastic stent (SEPS). There are many choices of different types of stents and sizes, with fierce competition among manufacturers. However, current stent technology, whether uncovered, partially covered, fully covered SEMS or SEPS, has their own advantages to solve the dysphagia, stricture, and fistula problems, but they also cause some clinical complications. The ideal stent remains elusive. New 3D printing technique may bring new promising potential to manufacturing personalized esophageal stents. Drug-eluting stents could be the new avenue to do more than just pry open a stricture or cover a defect in the esophageal lumen, a possibility of proving local anticancer therapy simultaneously. Additionally, the lack of esophageal cancer animal models also hinders the progress of stent development. This paper reviews these topics for a comprehensive understanding of this field. In a conclusion, the ultimate goal of the future esophageal stent would have multifunction to treat the underlying conditions and restore esophageal function to near normal.

Palliation of dysphagia

Palliation of dysphagia is the cornerstone of palliative treatment in patients with incurable oesophageal cancer. Available palliative options for dysphagia are oesophageal stent placement and radiotherapy. In general, oesophageal stent placement is the preferred therapeutic option in patients with a relatively poor prognosis because of its rapid relief of dysphagia. Regardless of ongoing technical developments, recurrence of dysphagia and stent-related complications are still occurring. For patients with a relatively good prognosis, intra-luminal brachytherapy is advised because of its sustained palliation of dysphagia. Due to limited availability of intra-luminal brachytherapy in clinical practice, fractionated external beam radiation therapy is commonly applied as an alternative. Selection of the optimal palliative approach for patients remains however challenging as conclusive high-quality evidence is limited. Moreover, with the introduction of new palliative treatment options (e.g. palliative chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic options) and the concurrent change of patient characteristics, supporting evidence from large randomised studies is warranted.

Oesophageal stenting: Status quo and future challenges

Oesophageal stents are widely used for palliating dysphagia from malignant obstruction. They are also used with increasing frequency in the treatment of oesophageal perforation, as well as benign strictures from a variety of causes. Improved oncological treatments have led to prolonged survival of patients treated with palliative intent; as a consequence, stents need to function and last longer in order to avoid repeat procedures. There is also increasing need for meticulous procedure planning, careful selection of the device most appropriate for the individual patient and planned follow-up. Furthermore, as more patients are cured, there will be more issues with resultant long-term side-effects, such as recalcitrant strictures due to radiotherapy or anastomotic scarring, which will have to be addressed. Stent design needs to keep up with the progress of cancer treatment, in order to offer patients the best possible long-term result. This review article attempts to illustrate the changing realities in oesophageal stenting, differences in current stent designs and behaviour, as well as the pressing need to refine and modify devices in order to meet the new challenges.

Clinical Outcomes of Upper Gastrointestinal Stents and Review of Current Literature

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is an alternative for several possible surgical and palliative treatments of upper gastrointestinal obstructions that occur in several disease states. The present study was performed to describe a single-center experience with upper gastrointestinal stents.

METHODS

All patients at a single center who had an SEMS placed for the treatment of obstruction over a 3-year period were retrospectively evaluated. Pre- and postoperative dysphagia scoring was calculated and used to evaluate postprocedure improvement in quality of life. Procedural success and early and late complication rates were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 171 endoscopic procedures were performed in 73 patients. Procedural success was 95.8% (n = 69) and dilatation was performed in 80 patients. The rate of perioperative complication was 26% (n = 19). After 1 month, stents were patent in all patients (n = 73). Stent obstruction was noted in 6 patients: 2 each at 2, 7, and 10 months.

CONCLUSION

SEMS usage for palliative and curative purposes in benign or malignant upper gastrointestinal system obstructions is an efficient and reliable treatment method with advantages, such as shortening hospital stay, decreased pain, cost-effectiveness, and low mortality-morbidity rates when compared to surgical procedures, and a high rate of clinical success.

Endoscopic management of complications of self-expandable metal stents for treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis and tracheoesophageal fistulas

BACKGROUND

Self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) implantation may rapidly improve the symptoms of malignant esophageal stenosis and tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEF). However, dysphagia often returns subsequently and repeated endoscopic intervention may be necessary. The aims of the study were to identify the risk factors of complications, and the frequency and efficacy of repeated endoscopic interventions; and to provide technical recommendations on appropriate stent selection.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively the clinical data of 212 patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who underwent SEMS implantation.

RESULTS

A total of 238 SEMS implantations were performed with 99.06% technical success and 1.26% procedure-related deaths in the enrolled 212 cases. Complications occurred in 84 patients (39.62%) and in 55 cases (25.94%) repeated endoscopic procedures were required. Early reintervention 24-48 h after the stent implantations was necessary due to stent migration (12 cases), arrhythmia (2 cases), intolerable retrosternal pain (1 case) and dyspnea (1 case). An average of 1.98 repeated gastroscopies (range 1-6; median 2), 13.58 weeks (range 1.5-48; median 11) after the stent implantation were performed during the follow-up period: 37 stent repositions, 23 restent implantations, 15 endoscopic esophageal dilations and 7 stent removals. In 48 cases (87.3%) oral feeding of patients was made possible by endoscopic interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

In a quarter of SEMS implantations, complications occur that can be successfully managed by endoscopic interventions. Our experiences have shown that individualized stent choice may substantially reduce the complications rate and make repeated endoscopic interventions easier.

Esophageal stent fixation with endoscopic suturing device improves clinical outcomes and reduces complications in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer prior to neoadjuvant therapy: a large multicenter experience

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic placement of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) to treat malignant dysphagia in patients with esophageal cancer significantly improves dysphagia; however, these stents have a high migration rate.

AIM

To determine whether FCSEMS fixation using an endoscopic suturing device treated malignant dysphagia and prevented stent migration in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer receiving neoadjuvant therapy when compared to patients with FCSEMS placement alone.

METHOD

A review of patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who underwent FCSEMS placement at 3 centers was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 26) was composed of patients who underwent FCSEMS placement with suture placement, and Group B (n = 67) was composed of patients with FCSEMS placement alone.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between Groups A and B in demographics, and tumor characteristics. The technical success rate for stent placement was 100 %. There was no difference between Groups A and B in the median stent diameter and stent lengths. Mean dysphagia score obtained at 1 week after stent placement had improved significantly from baseline (2.4 and 1, respectively, p < 0.001). Patients had a median follow-up of 4 months. Immediate adverse events were mild chest discomfort in 4 patients in Group A and 2 patients in Group B (p = 0.05), and significant acid reflux in 3 patient in Group A compared to 2 patients in Group B (p = 0.1). The stent migration rate was significantly lower in Group A compared to compared to Group B (7.7 vs 26.9 %, respectively, p = 0.004). There was a delayed perforation in 1 patient and 1 death due to aspiration pneumonia in Group B.

CONCLUSION

Fixation of esophageal FCSEMSs by using an endoscopic suturing device in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy was shown to be feasible, safe, and relatively effective at preventing stent migration compared to those who had stent placed alone.

Early pain detection and management after esophageal metal stent placement in incurable cancer patients: A prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Studies of esophageal self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) mainly focus on efficacy and recurrent dysphagia. Retrosternal pain has been described in up to 14 % of these patients, however, prospective daily pain assessment has not yet been performed. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the occurrence and management of pain after esophageal SEMS deployment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 65 patients who underwent SEMS placement for incurable malignant esophageal stenosis were included. Patients used a diary to record intensity of pain twice daily for 2 weeks, according to the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). A pain score ≥ 4 was used to determine whether patients experienced significant pain. If pain occurred, acetaminophen was used and, in cases of ongoing pain, an opiate was prescribed. Dose, duration, and kind of analgesic were noted.

RESULTS

The rate of significant pain increased from 0 % at baseline to 60 % on Day 1 (P < 0.001), followed by 37 % and 25 % on Days 7 and 14, respectively. The rate of analgesics use increased from 20 % at baseline to 78 % on Day 1 (P < 0.001), followed by 72 % and 62 % on Days 7 and 14, respectively. The use of opiates increased from 14 % at baseline to 42 % on Day 1 (P < 0.001). No variables associated with SEMS related pain were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-thirds of patients experience significant pain after esophageal SEMS insertion and analgesics, including opiates, are frequently required. Patients need to be informed and preventive prescription of analgesia should be considered in order to improve quality of life.

Stent type used does not impact complication rate or placement time but can decrease treatment cost for benign and malignant esophageal lesions

AIM: To evaluate if differences exist between self-expanding esophageal metal stents (SEMS) and self-expanding esophageal plastic stents (SEPS) when used for benign or malignant esophageal disorders with regard to safety, efficacy, clinical outcomes, placement ease and cost.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate outcome in patients having SEPS/SEMS placed for malignant or benign esophageal conditions from January 2005 to April 2012. Inclusion criteria was completed SEMS/SEPS placement. Outcomes assessed included technical success of and time required for stent placement, procedure-related complications, need for repeat intervention, hospital stay, mortality and costs.

RESULTS: Forty-three patients underwent stent placement for either benign/malignant esophageal disease during the study period. Thirty patients had SEMS (25 male, mean age 59.6 years old) and 13 patients had SEPS (10 male, mean age 61.7 years old). Placement outcome as well as complication rate (SEPS 23.1%, SEMS 25.2%) and in-hospital mortality (SEPS 7.7%, SEMS 6.7%) after placement did not differ between stent types. Migration was the most frequent complication reported occurring equally between types (SEPS 66.7%, SEMS 57.1%). SEPS was less costly than SEMS, decreasing institutional cost by $255/stent.

CONCLUSION: SEPS and SEMS have similar outcomes when used for benign or malignant esophageal conditions. However, SEPS use results in decreased costs without impacting care.

Stent-in-stent technique for removal of embedded partially covered self-expanding metal stents

BACKGROUND

Removal of embedded partially covered self-expanding metal stents (PCSEMS) is associated with an increased risk of adverse events compared with removal of fully covered self-expanding stents (FCSES) due to tissue ingrowth. Successful removal of embedded PCSEMS has been described by the stent-in-stent (SIS) technique.

AIMS

To report the first US experience from three high-volume quaternary care centers on the safety and efficacy of the SIS technique for removal of embedded PCSEMS.

METHODS

Retrospective study of outcomes for consecutive patients who underwent the SIS for removal of embedded PCSEMS over a 5-year period.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven embedded PCSEMS were successfully removed using the SIS technique (100 %) from 25 patients (11 males), median age 65 (range 37-80). All stents were successfully removed in one endoscopic session (no repeat SIS procedures were required for persistently embedded stents). The embedded PCSEMS had been in situ for a median of 76 days (range 26-501). Median SIS dwell time (FCSES in situ of PCSEMS) was 13 days (interquartile range 8-16 days; range 4-212 days). One adverse event (self-limited bleeding) occurred during a median follow-up period of 3 months (range 1-32). No patients died, required surgery, or had long-term disability due to adverse events attributed to the SIS technique. Twelve patients required additional interventions following SIS procedure for persistence or recurrence of the underlying pathology.

CONCLUSION

When performed by experienced endoscopists, safe and effective removal of embedded PCSEMS can be achieved via the SIS technique.

Upper Gastrointestinal Stent Insertion in Malignant and Benign Disorders

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) stents are increasingly being used to manage upper GI obstructions. Initially developed for palliative treatment of esophageal cancer, upper GI stents now play an emerging role in benign strictures of the upper GI tract. Because recurrent obstruction and stent-related complications are common, new modifications of stents have been implemented. Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have replaced older plastic stents. In addition, newly designed SEMS have been developed to prevent complications. This review provides an overview of the various types, indications, methods, complications, and clinical outcomes of upper GI stents in a number of malignant and benign disorders dividing the esophagus and gastroduodenum.

Upper Gastrointestinal Stent Insertion in Malignant and Benign Disorders

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) stents are increasingly being used to manage upper GI obstructions. Initially developed for palliative treatment of esophageal cancer, upper GI stents now play an emerging role in benign strictures of the upper GI tract. Because recurrent obstruction and stent-related complications are common, new modifications of stents have been implemented. Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have replaced older plastic stents. In addition, newly designed SEMS have been developed to prevent complications. This review provides an overview of the various types, indications, methods, complications, and clinical outcomes of upper GI stents in a number of malignant and benign disorders dividing the esophagus and gastroduodenum.

Role of stenting in gastrointestinal benign and malignant diseases

Advances in stents design have led to a substantial increase in the use of stents for a variety of digestive diseases. Initially developed as a non-surgical treatment for palliation of esophageal cancer, the stents now have an emerging role in the management of malignant and benign conditions as well as in all segments of the gastrointestinal tract. In this review, relevant literature search and expert opinions have been used to evaluate the key-role of stenting in gastrointestinal benign and malignant diseases.

Endoscopic incision with esophageal stenting helped to remove a gastrostomy tube in a patient with refractory stricture

Most cases of esophageal benign stricture can be successfully managed with dilation; however, refractory stricture is often unresponsive to repeated dilation. Endoscopic incision is a novel technique for treating refractory esophageal stricture, although recurrence is noted in patients with stricture measuring greater than 1.5 cm, thus requiring the use of repeated incisions and/or preventive dilation. We herein report a case of refractory esophageal stricture treated with an endoscopic incision and esophageal stenting, which successfully allowed the gastrostomy tube to be removed.

Surgical emergencies in oncology

An oncologic emergency is defined as an acute, potentially life threatening condition in a cancer patient that has developed as a result of the malignant disease or its treatment. Many oncologic emergencies are signs of advanced, end-stage malignant disease. Oncologic emergencies can be divided into medical or surgical. The literature was reviewed to construct a summary of potential surgical emergencies in oncology that any surgeon can be confronted with in daily practice, and to offer insight into the current approach for these wide ranged emergencies. Cancer patients can experience symptoms of obstruction of different structures and various causes. Obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract is the most frequent condition seen in surgical practice. Further surgical emergencies include infections due to immune deficiency, perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, bleeding events, and pathological fractures. For the institution of the appropriate treatment for any emergency, it is important to determine the underlying cause, since emergencies can be either benign or malignant of origin. Some emergencies are well managed with conservative or non-invasive treatment, whereas others require emergency surgery. The patient's performance status, cancer stage and prognosis, type and severity of the emergency, and the patient's wishes regarding invasiveness of treatment are essential during the decision making process for optimal management.

Conventional stents versus stents loaded with (125)iodine seeds for the treatment of unresectable oesophageal cancer: a multicentre, randomised phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

The combination of stent insertion and single high-dose brachytherapy is a feasible and safe palliative treatment regimen in patients with unresectable oesophageal cancer. We aimed to further assess the efficacy of this treatment strategy compared to a conventional covered stent in patients with dysphagia caused by unresectable oesophageal cancer.

METHODS

In this multicentre, single-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial, we enrolled patients with unresectable oesophageal cancer from 16 hospitals in China. We included adult patients (aged ≥ 20 years) with progressive dysphagia, unresectable tumours due to extensive lesions, metastases, or poor medical condition, and with clear consciousness, cooperation, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status score of 0-3. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (in 1:1 ratio, no stratification) to receive either a stent loaded with (125)iodine radioactive seeds (irradiation group) or a conventional oesophageal stent (control group). The primary endpoint was overall survival. Survival analyses were done in a modified intention-to-treat group. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01054274.

FINDINGS

Between Nov 1, 2009, and Oct 31, 2012, 160 patients were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either an irradiation stent (n=80) or a conventional stent (n=80). During a median follow-up of 138 days (IQR 72-207), 148 stents (73 in the irradiation group and 75 in the control group) were successfully placed into the diseased oesophagus in 148 participants. Median overall survival was 177 days (95% CI 153-201) in the irradiation group versus 147 days (124-170) in the control group (p=0.0046). Major complications and side-effects of the treatment were severe chest pain (17 [23%] of 73 patients in the irradiation group vs 15 [20%] of 75 patents in the control group), fistula formation (six [8%] vs five [7%]), aspiration pneumonia (11 [15%] vs 14 [19%]), haemorrhage (five [7%] vs five [7%]), and recurrent dysphagia (21 [28%] vs 20 [27%]).

INTERPRETATION

In patients with unresectable oesophageal cancer, the insertion of an oesophageal stent loaded with (125)iodine seeds prolonged survival when compared with the insertion of a conventional covered self-expandable metallic stent.