Management of acute malignant colorectal obstruction with a novel self-expanding metallic stent as a bridge to surgery

Efficacy and Safety of Fluoroscopy-Guided Self-Expandable Metal Stent Placement for Treatment of Malignant Colorectal Obstruction

AIM

To investigate long-term outcomes after SEMS insertion in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction and to identify the risk factors for complications.

METHODS

The data of 119 patients with malignant colorectal obstruction who received SEMS insertion between March 2014 and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the intent of treatment, i.e., stenting as "bridge to surgery" (surgical group) and stenting for palliation (palliative group). Technical and clinical success rates and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The overall technical and clinical success rates were 97.5% and 96.6%, respectively. The technical and clinical success rates and complication rate were comparable between the two groups. In the palliative group, the mean stent patency time was 230 days. Patency rates were not significantly different between primary CRC and recurrent CRC. Incidence of complications was higher in the palliative group than in the surgical group. In multivariate analysis, chemotherapy before stent implantation may increase the risk of stent-related complications, whereas chemotherapy after stent implantation did not. Additionally, the factors independently associated with complications were female sex and preoperative chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

SEMS under fluoroscopic guidance is a safe and effective treatment for malignant colorectal obstruction. For patients with resectable CRC, stent placement can serve as a bridge to elective surgery. It is worth noting that adjuvant chemotherapy between SEMS and surgery did not increase the complications. For patients with recurrent CRC, stent placement can relieve symptoms, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

Intestinal stents: Structure, functionalization and advanced engineering innovation

Intestinal stents are a palliative treatment option that solves many shortcomings of traditional surgeries for cancer-induced intestinal obstructions. The present review provides an overview of the incidence, clinical manifestations and limitations in the treatment of intestinal cancers. The paper also discusses material property requirements, indications, complications and the future of stent-assisted therapy. The advantages and disadvantages of different materials and processing techniques for intestinal stents are reviewed along with new stent treatment combinations for colorectal cancer. Challenges that require further cooperative studies are also detailed. The future development of intestinal stents will depend on innovation in material designs as well as the utilization of multi-functional strategies and innovative engineering solutions.

Definition of large bowel obstruction by primary colorectal cancer: A systematic review

AIM

Controversies on therapeutic strategy for large bowel obstruction by primary colorectal cancer mainly concern acute conditions, being essentially different from subacute obstruction. Clearly defining acute obstruction is important for design and interpretation of studies as well as for guidelines and daily practice. This systematic review aimed to evaluate definitions of obstruction by colorectal cancer in prospective studies.

METHOD

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Eligibility criteria included randomized or prospective observational design, publication between 2000 and 2019, and the inclusion of patients with an obstruction caused by colorectal cancer. Provided definitions of obstruction were extracted with assessment of common elements.

RESULTS

A total of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 99 prospective observational studies were included. Obstruction was specified as acute in 28 studies, complete/emergency in five, (sub)acute or similar terms in four and unspecified in 78. Five of 16 RCTs (31%) and 37 of 99 cohort studies (37%) provided a definition. The definitions included any combination of clinical symptoms, physical signs, endoscopic features and radiological imaging findings in 25 studies. The definition was only based on clinical symptoms in 11 and radiological imaging in six studies. Definitions included a radiological component in 100% of evaluable RCTs (5/5) vs. 54% of prospective observational studies (20/37, P = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

In this systematic review, the majority of prospective studies did not define obstruction by colorectal cancer and its urgency, whereas provided definitions varied hugely. Radiological confirmation seems to be an essential component in defining acute obstruction.

Predictors of outcome for endoscopic colorectal stenting: a decade experience

PURPOSE

Endoscopic stenting is used with increasing frequency to treat colorectal conditions. Little is known about what influences outcome. This study aimed to determine the impact of various factors on the short- and long-term results of colorectal stenting.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all endoscopic stenting procedures performed by a colorectal surgeon at a tertiary referral institution between 2003 and 2013. Main outcome measures included technical success, clinical success, complications, and predictors of outcome.

RESULTS

Of the stent procedures, 183 were performed in 165 patients. The majority of patients (90 %) presented with a malignant obstruction (intrinsic colonic vs. extrinsic non-colonic). Carcinomatosis was present in 22 % of patients with malignancy, and it was associated with lower technical success compared to non-carcinomatosis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.2 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.1-0.8]; p = 0.021). Colonic malignancy was associated with higher clinical success compared to non-colonic malignancy (AOR 3.8 [95 % CI 1.4-10.3]; p = 0.009). Carcinomatosis increased the risk of complications compared to non-carcinomatosis (AOR 3.2 [95 % CI 1.0-10.0]; p = 0.049). The risk of complication was higher when a stent was deployed in the rectum compared to the colon (AOR 4.1 [95 % CI 1.5-11.7]; p = 0.008). The use of a covered stent was associated with higher complication rate compared to a non-covered stent (AOR 13.6 [95 % CI 2.6-71.2]; p = 0.002). Balloon dilation was associated with an increased risk of complications (AOR 4.6 [95 % CI 1.3-16.2]; p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Carcinomatosis was associated with lower technical success rate. Clinical success was higher in patients with a primary colonic malignancy. The use of a covered stent, balloon dilation of stricture, lesions in the rectum, and carcinomatosis were associated with higher risk for complications.

Self-Expanding Metallic Stents for the Management of Emergency Malignant Large Bowel Obstruction: a Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

This paper evaluates the safety and effectiveness of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) for the management of emergency malignant colorectal obstruction in patients otherwise requiring multi-stage surgery. No systematic review has been conducted comparing SEMS to only multi-stage surgery.

METHODS

Bibliographic databases, including Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL, were searched in September 2011 and repeated in November 2013. A pre-determined protocol outlined the study inclusion and appraisal.

RESULTS

Forty articles were included, seven compared SEMS to multi-stage surgery. Included studies were of low to moderate quality. Bowel perforation was the most severe stent-related complication, while tumor- and stent-related events occurred most frequently. No significant differences in rates of obstruction relief were reported between treatments, and results regarding relative quality of life were inconclusive. SEMS recipients progressed to elective surgery sooner and required shorter post-procedural hospital stays, but commonly required re-intervention. SEMS provided enduring palliative relief of obstruction, with comparable survival longevity between treatments. Conclusion: SEMS placement is a viable alternative to multi-stage surgery, providing patients with benefits as a bridge-to-surgery and relief of obstruction in a palliative context, with minimal differences in clinical success and safety compared to multi-stage surgery.

Role of self-expanding metal stents in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM: To assess the safety and efficacy of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) for malignant colorectal obstruction.

METHODS: Data regarding technical success, clinical success, and procedure related complications were collected from included studies. DerSimonian-Laird random effects model was used to generate the overall outcome. Thirty international studies with a total of 2058 patients with malignant colorectal obstruction were included.

RESULTS: The technical and clinical success rates for SEMS placement were 94% (95%CI: 92-96) and 91% (95%CI: 88-93), respectively. Overall complication rate for SEMS was 23% (95%CI: 18-29). Stent migration 8% (95%CI: 6-10) and stent obstruction 8% (95%CI: 6-11) were the most common complications, followed by perforation 5% (95%CI: 4%-7%). Surgical or endoscopic re-interventions were needed in 14% (95%CI: 10-18) of patients. Endoscopic repeat stent placement was required in 8% (95%CI: 6-10), while surgical intervention was needed in 6% (95%CI: 4-8).

CONCLUSION: SEMS are effective when used as palliation or bridge to surgery for malignant colorectal obstruction with high technical and clinical success. About 14% of patients require repeat endoscopic or surgical intervention for stent failure or to manage stent related complications.

Palliative self-expandable metal stents for acute malignant colorectal obstruction: clinical outcomes and risk factors for complications

OBJECTIVE

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) have been used as palliative treatment or bridge to surgery for obstructions caused by colorectal cancer (CRC). We assessed the long-term outcomes of palliative SEMSs and evaluated the risk factors influencing complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy-five patients underwent SEMS placement for acute malignant colorectal obstruction. Of the 72 patients who underwent palliative treatment for primary CRC, 30 patients received chemotherapy (CT) for primary cancer (CT group) and 42 underwent best supportive treatment (BST) without CT (BST group).

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in late migration between the CT group and the BST group (20.0% in CT group, 2.4% in BST group, p = 0.018). Response to CT influenced the rate of late obstruction (0% in disease control, 35.7% in disease progression, p = 0.014). However, late obstruction was not associated with stent properties, such as diameter or type (≤22 mm vs. >22 mm, 13.5% vs. 14.3%, p = 1.00; uncovered stent vs. covered stent, 15.5% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.675) and migration (≤22 mm vs. >22 mm, 16.2% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.108; uncovered stent vs. covered stent, 8.6% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.615) in palliative SEMS.

CONCLUSION

The administration of CT increases the rate of stent migration, and disease control by CT can reduce the risk of obstruction by maintaining the luminal patency of palliative SEMSs.

Perforation in colorectal stenting: a meta-analysis and a search for risk factors

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that there is a substantial risk of perforation after colorectal stent placement.

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for perforation from colonic stenting.

DESIGN

A meta-analysis of 86 studies published between 2005 and 2011.

SETTING

Multicenter review.

PATIENTS

All patients who underwent colorectal stent placement.

INTERVENTION

Colorectal stent placement.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The occurrence of perforation with subgroup analyses for stent design, stricture etiology, stricture dilation, and concomitant chemotherapy, including the use of bevacizumab.

RESULTS

A total of 4086 patients underwent colorectal stent placement; perforation occurred in 207. Meta-analysis revealed an overall perforation rate of 7.4%. Of the 9 most frequently used stent types, the WallFlex, the Comvi, and the Niti-S D-type had a higher perforation rate (>10%). A lower perforation rate (<5%) was found for the Hanarostent and the Niti-S covered stent. Stenting benign strictures was associated with a significantly increased perforation rate of 18.4% compared with 7.5% for malignant strictures. Dilation did not increase the risk of perforation: 8.5% versus 8.5% without dilation. The subgroup of post-stent placement dilation had a significantly increased perforation risk of 20.4%. With a perforation rate of 12.5%, bevacizumab-based therapy was identified as a risk factor for perforation, whereas the risk for chemotherapy without bevacizumab was 7.0% and not increased compared with the group without concomitant therapies during stent therapy (9.0%).

LIMITATIONS

Heterogeneity; a considerable proportion of data is unavailable for subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The perforation rate of colonic stenting is 7.4%. Stent design, benign etiology, and bevacizumab were identified as risk factors for perforation. Intraprocedural stricture dilation and concomitant chemotherapy were not associated with an increased risk of perforation.

Own experiences of endoscopic self-expandable stent placement for malignant colorectal ileus

Introduction

Acute low neoplasm ileus requires emergency surgery. Nowadays there are increased numbers of patients with comorbidities, which causes higher risk of intra- and postoperative complications.

Aim

To evaluate the clinical usefulness of endoscopic self-expandable stent placement for malignant colorectal ileus.

Material and methods

Twenty-one patients (8 women and 13 men), mean age 66.7 years, with low neoplasm obstruction, underwent endoscopic stenting of the stricture. This procedure was performed as a bridge to the surgery especially for high-risk patients. Eight of them had coagulation system impairment, 5 severe metabolic disorders, 4 circulatory insufficiency, 3 severe malnutrition and 1 patient undiagnosed synchronic rectal tumor. In 10 patients cancer was located in the sigmoid colon, in 7 in the rectum, in 2 in the ascending colon, and the transverse and ascending colon was involved in another 2 patients.

Results

All 21 patients (100%) underwent endoscopic stenting successfully. There were no complications after stent placement. The authors underline that placement of expandable metallic stents for patients with malignant colon obstruction with acute ileus is a safe and effective method. It gives an opportunity for quick balance of fluid, electrolyte, and the coagulation system and improvement of efficiency of the circulatory and respiratory system.

Conclusions

Endoscopic treatment of ileus helps precisely estimate tumor advancement and gives the possibility of a single stage radical surgical procedure.

Evidence-based recommendations on colorectal stenting: a report from the stent study group of the korean society of gastrointestinal endoscopy

Recently, placement of self-expandable metallic stents has been used for the treatment of colorectal obstruction. As domestic awareness of colorectal cancer has increased, the number of colorectal stenting procedures performed has also increased. We aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for colorectal stenting to aid gastroenterologists in making informed decisions regarding the management of patients who present with colorectal obstruction. The working group consisted of eight gastroenterologists who actively practice and conduct research in the field of colorectal stenting and are the members of the Stent Study Group of the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, KoreaMed, and the Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant articles published between January 2001 and June 2012. Based on the modified Delphi process, 10 recommendation statements regarding indications, usefulness, methodology and complications of colorectal stenting, and alternative treatments for malignant colorectal obstruction were determined. The contents will be widely distributed, and periodically revised to reflect the latest knowledge. These evidence-based recommendations for colorectal stenting will provide gastroenterologists and patients with appropriate and balanced information, and will improve the quality of care.

A temporary self-expanding metallic stent for malignant colorectal obstruction

AIM: To investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of a temporary self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) for malignant colorectal obstruction.

METHODS: From September 2007 to June 2012, 33 patients with malignant colorectal obstruction were treated with a temporary SEMS. The stent had a tubular configuration with a retrieval lasso attached inside the proximal end of the stent to facilitate its removal. The SEMS was removed one week after placement. Clinical examination, abdominal X-ray and a contrast study were prospectively performed and both initial and follow-up data before and at 1 d, 1 wk, and 1 mo, 3 mo, 6 mo and 12 mo after stent placement were obtained. Data collected on the technical and clinical success of the procedures, complications, need for reinsertion and survival were analyzed.

RESULTS: Stent placement and removal were technically successful in all patients with no procedure-related complications. Post-procedural complications included stent migration (n = 2) and anal pain (n = 2). Clinical success was achieved in 31 (93.9%) of 33 patients with resolution of bowel obstruction within 3 d of stent removal. Eleven of the 33 patients died 73.81 ± 23.66 d (range 42-121 d) after removal of the stent without colonic re-obstruction. Clinical success was achieved in another 8 patients without symptoms of obstruction during the follow-up period. Reinsertion of the stent was performed in the remaining 12 patients with re-obstruction after 84.33 ± 51.80 d of follow-up. The mean and median periods of relief of obstructive symptoms were 97.25 ± 9.56 d and 105 ± 17.43 d, respectively, using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

CONCLUSION: Temporary SEMS is a safe and effective approach in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction due to low complication rates and good medium-term outcomes.

Does stenting of left-sided colorectal cancer as a "bridge to surgery" adversely affect oncological outcomes? A comparison with non-obstructing elective left-sided colonic resections

PURPOSE

With a theoretical link between stent insertion and increased risk of tumour seeding, there is concern about long-term survival after the use of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) as a "bridge to surgery" in the treatment of left-sided obstructing colorectal cancer. This cohort study aims to determine if preoperative stenting adversely affects long-term survival by comparing a group of patients having preoperative stenting (group A) with a group of patients having elective surgery (group B) in a single centre.

METHODS

The study is retrospective. Survival was calculated with Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared using the log-rank test. Other group characteristics were compared with Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

From November 1998 to November 2008, 15 patients had preoperative SEMS and were entered in group A. This represented 11.5 % of a total of 130 patients undergoing SEMS insertion in the same period. Group B included 88 consecutive patients undergoing elective left-sided colonic resection for Dukes' B and C cancer excluding mid and low rectal tumours between January 2003 and December 2007. The 30-day mortality rate for groups A and B was 6.7 % (one patient) and 5.7 % (five patients), respectively. The 5-year survival rate was 60 % and 58 %, respectively, with a p value of 0.96.

CONCLUSIONS

In our own practice, patients undergoing SEMS as a "bridge to surgery" have the same long-term survival with those undergoing elective surgery. This finding needs to be confirmed in larger scale studies.

Duodenal and colonic stent placement with 0.025″ and 0.035″ guidewires is equally safe and effective

BACKGROUND

The overwhelming majority of reported duodenal and colonic SEMS placements in the literature have used the 0.035″ guidewire almost to the exclusion of guidewires of other diameters.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to compare technical and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing duodenal or colonic SEMS placement with 0.025″ or 0.035″ guidewires.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study to compare technical and clinical outcomes and complications of patients receiving duodenal or colonic SEMS placement with a 0.035″ guidewire to those undergoing placement with a 0.025″ guidewire.

RESULTS

A total of 34 duodenal and 30 colonic stent placement procedures were performed in 59 patients. Technical success was achieved in all duodenal stent placement procedures. The difference in mean GOOSS score increase after stent placement was not statistically significant between the 0.035″ and 0.025″ guidewire groups (P = 0.49). Complications were not statistically significantly different between the two groups undergoing gastroduodenal stenting. Technical and clinical success was achieved in all colonic stent placement procedures. There were no statistically significant differences in complication rates between the two groups undergoing colonic stenting. Procedure times were not significantly different using either wire type.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that both 0.035″ and 0.025″ guidewires were equally effective with regards to technical success, clinical success, and with regards to the development of complications.

Clinical benefits of integrating cardiac and vascular models

INTRODUCTION

Recent advances in computational methods and medical imaging techniques have enabled non-invasive exploration of cardiovascular pathologies, from cardiac level to complex arterial networks. The potential of cardiac and vascular modeling in guiding and monitoring therapies could be further extended through the integration of the two systems.

AREAS COVERED

This review includes advances in methods for cardiac electromechanics and vascular flow simulations. The results of a literature search depicting the state of the art in cardiac and vascular modeling are reviewed. The paper goes on to address the benefits and challenges of combined cardiovascular modeling, highlighting the relevance of specific cardiovascular features and implementation. Various alternative approaches and insights on future directions are presented and analyzed with respect to their applicability to clinical practice.

EXPERT OPINION

The article has emerged from the exploration of currently available cardiac and vascular mathematical tools and their corresponding clinical application. The summarized analysis suggests that future efforts should be aimed at developing more accurate and patient-specific mathematical models integrating cardiac and vascular functions to enhance the knowledge of cardiovascular pathologies.

Comparison of self-expanding metal stents and urgent surgery for left-sided malignant colonic obstruction in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction is common in elderly patients and multiple treatment options exist. To date, the use of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) in elderly patients has not been adequately described.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to compare mortality, avoidance of stoma, and short-term survival in elderly patients with malignant bowel obstruction treated with either colonic stenting or surgery.

METHODS

In this retrospective review, elderly patients with acute left-sided colonic obstruction cancer underwent either insertion of a SEMS (n = 34) or primary surgery (n = 58). The two groups were compared for clinic variables, surgical procedures and outcome, acute mortality, and complications.

RESULTS

Both groups were similar in terms of age, sex, tumor distribution, ASA grade, and comorbidities. The SEMS were successful placed in 91% of patients,and surgery was effective in relieving obstruction in 100% of the patients. Primary anastomosis was 79% in the SEMS group compared to 47% in the primary surgery group (P = 0.002). Secondary reanastomosis was 31% in the primary surgery group but only 3% in the SEMS surgery group (P = 0.001). Patients in the SEMS group had less 30-day mortality compared to the primary surgery group (3% vs. 19%, P = 0.03). Postoperative complications were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

In elderly patients with acute left-sided colonic obstruction cancer due to colorectal cancer, SEMS provide an effective and safe therapeutic option compared to emergent surgery.