Factors predicting through-the-scope gastroduodenal stenting outcomes in patients with gastric outlet obstruction: a large multicenter retrospective study in West Japan

Incidence and factors associated with stent dysfunction and pancreatitis after gastroduodenal stenting for malignant gastric outlet obstruction

Background and study aims Endoscopic gastroduodenal stent (GDS) deployment is currently a standard treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO) in patients with limited life expectancy; however, stent dysfunction (SD) and complicated pancreatitis often occur after GDS deployment. We investigated incidence and contributing factors of SD and complicated pancreatitis. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed 203 patients who underwent initial GDS deployment for palliation of mGOO symptoms between October 2017 and July 2022, including 109 who underwent GDS deployment across the duodenal papilla (sub-cohort). Results SDs, including tumor ingrowth (n = 26), kinking (n = 14), and migration (n = 13), occurred in 68 patients (33.5%). Cumulative SD incidence was 41.1% (95% confidence interval, 32.6-49.4%). SD incidence increased to 0.4%, 0.16%, and 0.06% per day at < 8, 8-16, and>16 weeks, respectively. On multivariate analysis, Niti-S pyloric/duodenal stent deployment (sub-distribution hazard ratio [sHR] 0.26, P = 0.01) and survival length ≥ 90 days (sHR 2.5, P = 0.01) were respectively identified as favorable and risk factors significantly associated with SD. Pancreatitis developed in 14 patients (12.8%) in the sub-cohort, which had significantly higher parenchymal diameter ( P < 0.01) and lower main pancreatic duct (MPD) caliber ( P < 0.01) than the non-pancreatitis cohort. On multivariate analysis, MPD caliber < 3 mm independently predicted pancreatitis (odds ratio 6.8, P = 0.03). Conclusions Deployment of the Niti-S pyloric/duodenal stent, with conformability even for angulated strictures, significantly reduced the incidence of SD. Stent selection, life expectancy, and MPD caliber should be taken into consideration during decision-making for GDS deployment for mGOO.

Endoscopic Treatment of Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Endoscopic management of gastric outlet obstruction includes balloon dilation, enteral stenting, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) to relieve mechanical blockage and reestablish per oral intake. Based on the degree of obstruction, patients may experience debilitating symptoms that can quickly lead to malnutrition and delays in chemotherapy. Compared with surgery, minimally invasive endoscopic options can provide similar clinical outcomes with fewer adverse events, faster resumption of oral feeding, and shorter hospitalizations. EUS-GE with a lumen-apposing metal stent has revolutionized treatment, especially in individuals who are not ideal surgical candidates. This article aims to describe endoscopic treatment options and future considerations.

WallFlex® and Evolution® Duodenal Stents Have Similar Efficacy but Different Safety for Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction

BACKGROUND

The WallFlex® and Evolution® stents are the most widely used duodenal stents, but no study has compared them.

AIMS

We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of WallFlex® and Evolution® stents for malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

METHODS

We included all consecutive patients who were treated for malignant gastric outlet obstruction with WallFlex® or Evolution® self-expandable metal uncovered duodenal stents between 2013 and 2020. Multivariable Cox models were performed to assess duodenal stent failure, as defined by gastric outlet obstruction necessitating another duodenal stent.

RESULTS

We included 129 patients: 74 received a WallFlex® stent and 55 received an Evolution® stent. The non-failure rate was of 68% (95%CI 55-84) and 65% (95%CI 50-84) at 6 months and of 48% (95%CI 32-73) and 45% (95%CI 27-74) at 1 year, with the WallFlex® and Evolution® stents, respectively. The median time to duodenal stent failure was 10.5 months in the WallFlex® group and 9.3 months in the Evolution® group. The type of duodenal stent was not associated with duodenal stent failure (p logrank = 0.43, adjusted hazard ratio 1.55; 95%CI 0.77-3.14). The overall survival was similar between the two groups (p logrank = 0.92). Three patients had complications due to Evolution® stents; it consisted in dismantled stents that led to hemorrhage in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

WallFlex® and Evolution® duodenal stents had similar efficacy for malignant gastric outlet obstruction. There were more adverse events with Evolution® stents.

Analysis of prognostic factors in patients with self-expandable metallic stents for treatment of malignant gastric outlet obstruction

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are widely accepted as a less-invasive treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). However, the factors related to prognosis and stent dysfunction after SEMS placement are not well known, and we aimed to investigate them.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of 212 malignant strictures in 207 patients. Factors related to prolonged overall survival (OS) and time to recurrent GOO (TRGOO) after SEMS placement were evaluated.

RESULTS

Improvement of oral intake was confirmed in 179 patients (86%). The median OS was 65 days. A Cox proportional hazards model revealed that lower cancer stage, lower performance status score at the time of SEMS placement, and administration of chemotherapy after SEMS placement were significant predictive factors for prolonged OS. The median OS was 182 days in the group of SEMS followed by chemotherapy (group A) and 43 days in the group of SEMS alone (group B) (p< .0001). Chemotherapy after SEMS implantation contributed to the prolongation of survival in gastric cancer (hazard ratio (HR), 0.12) and pancreatic cancer (HR, 0.41). Furthermore, the cumulative incidence rates of stent dysfunction on day 120 after SEMS placement were 30% in group A and 61% in group B (p=.03). Notably, the preventive effect of chemotherapy on stent dysfunction was significant in pancreatic cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

SEMS is a treatment with high technical and clinical success rate for malignant GOO. Furthermore, subsequent chemotherapy prolongs OS especially in gastric cancer, and TRGOO in pancreatic cancer.

Uncovered versus covered expandable metal stents for malignant gastric outlet obstruction caused by intrinsic and extrinsic tumors: meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) can be palliated by endoscopic placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs). Studies comparing uncovered (USEMSs) and covered (CSEMSs) SEMSs have yielded inconclusive results. This meta-analysis compared USEMSs with CSEMSs in patients with GOO caused by intrinsic and extrinsic tumors.

METHODS

Potentially relevant articles were identified by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Medline. The primary outcome was stent dysfunction. Relationships between characteristics of tumors causing GOO and the stent dysfunction rate following USEMSs and CSEMS placement were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, six randomized controlled trials and 12 observational studies, including 2431 patients, were identified. Rate of stent dysfunction did not differ significantly between USEMSs and CSEMSs (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-1.25, I² = 44%), but there was heterogeneity. Meta-regression analysis showed that heterogeneity of stent dysfunction was caused by a difference in the ratio of intrinsic-to-extrinsic tumors causing GOO between studies (coefficient, 0.944; 95% CI, 0.30-1.58). Studies were divided into intrinsic and extrinsic tumor groups. Subgroup analysis showed that the stent dysfunction rate did not differ between USEMSs and CSEMSs in the intrinsic tumor group (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.85-1.41; I² = 32%). In the extrinsic tumor group, USEMS was associated with a lower rate of stent dysfunction than CSEMS (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.47-0.87; I² = 25%).

CONCLUSION

USEMS and CSEMS placement generally showed comparable outcomes among patients with GOO. USEMS was more effective than CSEMS for patients with GOO caused by extrinsic tumors.

How to successfully administer palliative treatment with a stent for malignant gastric outlet obstruction?

Although endoscopic stenting (ES) has been widely used as a less-invasive palliation method for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), recent reports have highlighted issues related to the procedure. For successful treatment, various aspects must be assessed before considering the practices. First, it is necessary to eliminate cases with contraindications such as coexistence of distal small-bowel obstruction or perforation. Other factors potentially related to clinical failure (i.e., peritoneal carcinomatosis) may require consideration but remain controversial. ES has better short-term outcomes than surgical gastrojejunostomy (GJ). GJ has recently been considered preferable in cases with longer life expectancy because of superior sustainability. Various types of stents are now commercially available, but their ideal structure and mechanical properties have not yet been clarified. Covered metal stent may reduce stent obstruction but is prone to increase stent migration, and its significance remains uncertain. Subsequent chemotherapy after stenting should be considered, as it is expected to prolong patient survival without increasing the risk of adverse events. Furthermore, it may be helpful in preventing tumor ingrowth. In cases with GOO combined with biliary obstruction, biliary intervention is often difficult. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been widely used as an alternative procedure for endoscopic transpapillary biliary drainage (ETBD). Despite the lack of consensus as to whether ETBD or EUS-BD is preferred, EUS-BD is useful as a salvage technique for cases where ETBD is difficult. To perform stent placement successfully, it is important to pay attention to the above points; however, many remaining issues need to be clarified in the future.

The Glasgow Prognostic Score and stricture site can predict prognosis after endoscopic duodenal stent placement for malignant gastric outlet obstruction

Endoscopic duodenal stent (DS) placement for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is rapidly increasing in clinical practice; however, the most suitable patient candidates for DS placement have not been determined. One hundred and thirty-five patients with GOO who underwent DS placement in three Japanese referral centers between January 2010 and October 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Overall survival (OS) after DS placement, technical/clinical success rates, adverse events, and predictive factors affecting OS after DS placement were also analyzed. The median OS after DS placement of all patients was 81 (7–901) days. Technical and clinical success rates were 99.3% and 83.7%, respectively. The GOO Scoring System score significantly increased before and after DS placement (0.9 vs. 2.7, P < 0.001). The procedure-related complication rate was 6.0%. All 19 patients (14.1%) with stent occlusion underwent endoscopic re-intervention successfully. Multivariate analyses revealed chemotherapy after DS placement (P = 0.01), stricture site in D3 (distal part of the papilla) (P = 0.01), and a Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) of 0–1 before duodenal stent placement (P < 0.001) were factors significantly associated with prolonged OS. In conclusion, patients with a GPS of 0–1 and D3 stricture who are tolerant of chemotherapy are suitable candidates for DS placement.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic duodenal stent versus endoscopic or surgical gastrojejunostomy to treat malignant gastric outlet obstruction: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims  Malignant disease accounts for up to 80 % of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) cases, which may be treated with duodenal self-expanding metal stents (SEMS), surgical gastrojejunostomy (GJ), and more recently endoscopic-ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE). These three treatments have not been compared head-to-head in a randomized trial. Methods  We searched the Embase and MEDLINE databases for studies published January 2015-February 2021 assessing treatment of malignant GOO using duodenal SEMS, endoscopic (EUS-GE) or surgical (laparoscopic or open) GJ. Efficacy outcomes assessed included technical and clinical success rates, GOO recurrence and reintervention. Safety outcomes included procedure-related bleeding or perforation, and stent-related events for the duodenal SEMS and EUS-GE arms. Results  EUS-GE had a lower rate of technical success (95.3%) than duodenal SEMS (99.4 %) or surgical GJ (99.9%) ( P  = 0.0048). For duodenal SEMS vs. EUS-GE vs. surgical GJ, rates of clinical success (88.9 % vs. 89.0 % vs. 92.3 % respectively, P  = 0.49) were similar. EUS-GE had a lower rate of GOO recurrence based on limited data ( P  = 0.0036), while duodenal SEMS had a higher rate of reintervention ( P  = 0.041). Overall procedural complications were similar (duodenal SEMS 18.7 % vs. EUS-GE 21.9 % vs. surgical GJ 23.8 %, P  = 0.32), but estimated bleeding rate was lowest ( P  = 0.0048) and stent occlusion rate was highest ( P  = 0.0002) for duodenal SEMS. Conclusions  Duodenal SEMS, EUS-GE, and surgical GJ showed similar clinical efficacy for the treatment of malignant GOO. Duodenal SEMS had a lower procedure-related bleeding rate but higher rate of reintervention.

Endoscopic placement of covered versus uncovered self-expandable metal stents for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction

OBJECTIVE

Stenting is an established endoscopic therapy for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO). The choice of stent (covered vs uncovered) has been examined in prior randomised studies without clear results.

DESIGN

In a multicentre randomised prospective study, we compared covered (CSEMS) with uncovered self-expandable metal stents (UCSEMS) in patients with mGOO; main outcomes were stent dysfunction and patient survival, with subgroup analyses of patients with extrinsic and intrinsic tumours.

RESULTS

Overall survival was poor with no difference between groups (probability at 3 months 49.7% for covered vs 48.4% for uncovered stents; log-rank for overall survival p=0.26). Within that setting of short survival, the proportion of stent dysfunction was significantly higher for uncovered stents (35.2% vs 23.4%, p=0.01) with significantly shorter time to stent dysfunction. This was mainly relevant for patients with extrinsic tumours (stent dysfunction rates for uncovered stents 35.6% vs 17.5%, p<0.01). Subgrouping was also relevant with respect to tumour ingrowth (lower with covered stents for intrinsic tumours; 1.6% vs 27.7%, p<0.01) and stent migration (higher with covered stents for extrinsic tumours: 15.3% vs 2.5%, p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to poor patient survival, minor differences between covered and uncovered stents may be less relevant even if statistically significant; however, subgroup analysis would suggest to use covered stents for intrinsic and uncovered stents for extrinsic malignancies.

Fracture of a Self-expandable Metallic Stent Inserted for Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Duodenal stenting has gradually been established as the first-line treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). We encountered a case of duodenal stent fracture in a 76-year-old woman with gastric cancer and GOO. She underwent self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement. The SEMS was found to be fractured 4 weeks after its placement. We removed the broken part of the stent and placed a second SEMS. SEMS fracture is a rare and - to the best of our knowledge - unreported complication; hence, clinicians and their patients should be aware of this possibility.

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) -guided visceral anastomoses: indications and techniques

BACKGROUND

Technologic advancements in the field of therapeutic endoscopy have led to the development of minimally invasive techniques to create gastrointestinal anastomosis instead of surgical interventions. Examples of the potential clinical applications include bypassing malignant and benign gastric outlet obstruction, providing access to the pancreato-biliary tree in those who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and relieving pancreato-biliary symptoms in afferent loop syndrome.

METHODS

starting from the available literature, aim of this narrative review is to summarize indications and techniques of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided visceral anastomoses.

RESULTS

A critical review of literature on the new EUS-guided anastomoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing evidences are accumulating demonstrating advantages of EUS guided visceral anastomoses. These new procedures represent a novel, minimally invasive alternative for managing different type of intestinal obstruction.

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Which is the best therapeutic option?

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) is a clinical condition characterized by the mechanical obstruction of the pylorus or the duodenum due to tumor compression/infiltration, with consequent reduction or impossibility of an adequate oral intake. MGOO is mainly secondary to advanced pancreatic or gastric cancers, and significantly impacts on patients' survival and quality of life. Patients suffering from this condition often present with intractable vomiting and severe malnutrition, which further compromise therapeutic chances. Currently, palliative strategies are based primarily on surgical gastrojejunostomy and endoscopic enteral stenting with self-expanding metal stents. Several studies have shown that surgical approach has the advantage of a more durable relief of symptoms and the need of fewer re-interventions, at the cost of higher procedure-related risks and longer hospital stay. On the other hand, enteral stenting provides rapid clinical improvement, but have the limit of higher stent dysfunction rate due to tumor ingrowth and a subsequent need of frequent re-interventions. Recently, a third way has come from interventional endoscopic ultrasound, through the development of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy technique with lumen-apposing metal stent. This new technique may ideally encompass the minimal invasiveness of an endoscopic procedure and the long-lasting effect of the surgical gastrojejunostomy, and brought encouraging results so far, even if prospective comparative trial are still lacking. In this Review, we described technical aspects and clinical outcomes of the above-cited therapeutic approaches, and discussed the open questions about the current management of MGOO.

Percutaneous Enteral Stent Placement Using a Transhepatic Access for Palliation of Malignant Bowel Obstruction after Surgery

Objective

To assess the safety and clinical efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic enteral stent placement for recurrent malignant obstruction in patients with surgically altered bowel anatomy.

Materials and Methods

Between July 2009 and May 2019, 36 patients (27 men and 9 women; mean age, 62.7 ± 12.0 years) underwent percutaneous transhepatic stent placement for recurrent malignant bowel obstruction after surgery. In all patients, conventional endoscopic peroral stent placement failed due to altered bowel anatomy. The stent was placed with a transhepatic approach for an afferent loop obstruction (n = 27) with a combined transhepatic and peroral approach for simultaneous stent placement in afferent and efferent loop obstruction (n = 9). Technical and clinical success, complications, stent patency, and patient survival were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

The stent placement was technically successful in all patients. Clinical success was achieved in 30 patients (83.3%). Three patients required re-intervention (balloon dilatation [n = 1] and additional stent placement [n = 2] for insufficient stent expansion). Major complications included transhepatic access-related perihepatic biloma (n = 2), hepatic artery bleeding (n = 2), bowel perforation (n = 1), and sepsis (n = 1). The 3- and 12-months stent patency and patient survival rates were 91.2%, 66.5% and 78.9%, 47.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Percutaneous enteral stent placement using transhepatic access for recurrent malignant obstruction in patients with surgically altered bowel anatomy is safe and clinically efficacious. Transhepatic access is a good alternative route for afferent loop obstruction and can be combined with a peroral approach for simultaneous afferent and efferent loop obstruction.

Self-expandable metal stent of esophagogastric junction versus pyloric area obstruction in advanced gastric cancer patients: Retrospective, comparative, single-center study

Upper gastrointestinal stenting is a palliative treatment for relieving symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dietary intake in patients with obstruction due to inoperable advanced stomach cancer. Self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) implantation for malignant obstruction has recently become more effective, safer, and less expensive than operative modality. It also has better short-term outcomes, particularly a shorter hospital stay and a more rapid return to oral intake, than surgical treatment. However, there is no comparative analysis regarding the efficacy, side effects, and survival rate of stenting between the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and pyloric obstructions.To compare the prognoses and complications after SEMS implantation between EGJ and pyloric obstructions in advanced gastric cancer.Among advanced gastric cancer patients with gastrointestinal obstruction diagnosed from January 2008 to December 2017 at the Gastroenterology Department of Chungnam National University Hospital, 42 and 76 patients presented with EGJ (EGJ obstruction group) and gastric pyloric obstructions (pyloric obstruction group), respectively. We retrospectively reviewed the survival period, changes in food intake, and complications of these patients before and after SEMS placement.The prevalences of aspiration pneumonia were 11.9% (5/42) and 2.6% (2/76) in the EGJ and pyloric obstruction groups, respectively, before SEMS placement (P value: .041). Other symptoms associated with gastric malignant obstruction were not statistically different between the groups. Success rate and adverse events did not significantly differ between the EGJ and pyloric obstruction groups. There was no difference in frequency of stent reinsertion procedures performed owing to reobstruction, but the reprocedure average period was statistically significantly longer in the EGJ obstruction group [EGJ obstruction: 158.3 days (±42.4); pyloric obstruction: 86.0 days (±29.1)] (P value: .022). As an index of improved dietary status, the Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System score was not significantly different between the groups before and after SEMS placement.The EGJ and pyloric obstruction groups did not significantly differ in prognosis or complication rates. However, EGJ stent was more stable than pyloric stent when reobstruction was considered.

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Which is the best therapeutic option?

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) is a clinical condition characterized by the mechanical obstruction of the pylorus or the duodenum due to tumor compression/infiltration, with consequent reduction or impossibility of an adequate oral intake. MGOO is mainly secondary to advanced pancreatic or gastric cancers, and significantly impacts on patients’ survival and quality of life. Patients suffering from this condition often present with intractable vomiting and severe malnutrition, which further compromise therapeutic chances. Currently, palliative strategies are based primarily on surgical gastrojejunostomy and endoscopic enteral stenting with self-expanding metal stents. Several studies have shown that surgical approach has the advantage of a more durable relief of symptoms and the need of fewer re-interventions, at the cost of higher procedure-related risks and longer hospital stay. On the other hand, enteral stenting provides rapid clinical improvement, but have the limit of higher stent dysfunction rate due to tumor ingrowth and a subsequent need of frequent re-interventions. Recently, a third way has come from interventional endoscopic ultrasound, through the development of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy technique with lumen-apposing metal stent. This new technique may ideally encompass the minimal invasiveness of an endoscopic procedure and the long-lasting effect of the surgical gastrojejunostomy, and brought encouraging results so far, even if prospective comparative trial are still lacking. In this Review, we described technical aspects and clinical outcomes of the above-cited therapeutic approaches, and discussed the open questions about the current management of MGOO.

Newly developed self-expandable Niti-S MD colonic metal stent for malignant colonic obstruction

BACKGROUND

Colonic stents are increasingly used to treat acute malignant colonic obstructions. The WallFlex and Niti-S D type stents are the commonly used self-expandable metallic stents available in Japan since 2012. WallFlex stent has a risk of stent-related perforation because of its axial force, while the Niti-S D type stent has a risk of obstructive colitis because of its weaker radial force. Niti-S MD type stents not only overcome these limitations but also permit delivery through highly flexible-tipped smaller-caliber colonoscopes.

AIM

To compare the efficacy and safety of the newly developed Niti-S MD type colonic stents.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective observational study included 110 patients with endoscopic self-expandable metallic stents placed between November 2011 and December 2018: WallFlex (Group W, n = 37), Niti-S D type (Group N, n = 53), and Niti-S MD type (Group MD, n = 20). The primary outcome was clinical success, defined as a resolution of obstructive colonic symptoms, confirmed by clinical and radiological assessment within 48 h. The secondary outcome was technical success, defined as accurate stent placement with adequate stricture coverage on the first attempt without complications.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 100% in Groups W, N, and MD, and the overall clinical success rate was 89.2% (33/37), 96.2% (51/53), and 100% (20/20) in Groups W, N, and MD, respectively. Early adverse events included pain (3/37, 8.1%), poor expansion (1/37, 2.7%), and fever (1/37, 2.6%) in Group W and perforation due to obstructive colitis (2/53, 3.8%) in Group N (likely due to poor expansion). Late adverse events (after 7 d) included stent-related perforations (4/36, 11.1%) and stent occlusion (1/36, 2.8%) in Group W and stent occlusion (2/51, 3.9%) in Group N. The stent-related perforation rate in Group W was significantly higher than that in Group N (P < 0.05). No adverse event was observed in Group MD.

CONCLUSION

In our early and limited experience, the newly developed Niti-S MD type colonic stent was effective and safe for treating acute malignant colonic obstruction.

Predictors of self-expanding metallic stent dysfunction in malignant gastric outlet obstruction

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are the ideal treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) in patients with a short life expectancy, but stent dysfunction is frequent. The primary aim of our study was to identify the predictive factors of SEMS dysfunction in MGOO and the secondary aim was to determine the technical success, clinical success, and nutritional impact after SEMS placement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective, longitudinal study was conducted at the gastrointestinal endoscopy department of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico City. Patients diagnosed with MGOO that underwent SEMS placement within the time frame of January 2015 to May 2018 were included. We utilized the gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (GOOSS) to determine clinical success and SEMS dysfunction.

RESULTS

The study included 43 patients, technical success was 97.7% (n=42), and clinical success was 88.3% (n=38). SEMS dysfunction presented in 30.2% (n=13) of the patients, occurring in<6 months after placement in 53.8% (n=7) of them. In the univariate analysis, the histologic subtype, diffuse gastric adenocarcinoma (p=0.02) and the use of uncovered SEMS (p=0.02) were the variables associated with dysfunction. Albumin levels and body mass index did not increase after SEMS placement. Medical follow-up was a mean 5.8 months (1-24 months).

CONCLUSIONS

SEMS demonstrated adequate technical and clinical efficacy in the treatment of MGOO. SEMS dysfunction was frequent and diffuse type gastric cancer and uncovered SEMS appeared to be dysfunction predictors.

Outcomes of duodenal stenting: Experience in a French tertiary center with 220 cases

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic stenting for malignant gastroduodenal outlet obstruction (MGOO) is described as ineffective and not long-lasting despite a few favorable studies. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a large series of patients in a tertiary center.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study was performed using data collected from all patients who received palliative duodenal self-expandable metal stents between January 2011 and December 2016. The primary endpoints were patient diet after the first duodenal procedure (Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System, GOOSS) and clinical success. The secondary endpoints were the median patency duration (calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method) and the cumulative incidence of reintervention.

RESULTS

Two-hundred twenty patients were included. The increase in the GOOSS score was significant (p < 0.001), and the clinical success rate was 86.3%. The median estimated patency duration was 9.0 months [6.5-29.1]. Patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma had significantly longer patency durations (p = 0.02). The estimated cumulative probability of a second duodenal procedure after 4 months was 13%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large series of patients who underwent duodenal stenting for MGOO, we observed significant changes in GOOSS scores, a relatively long patency duration compared to findings in previous series, and a low probability of subsequent duodenal procedures, primarily due to a low median overall survival time (4 months).

Big End Double-Layer Stents for the Treatment of Gastric Outlet Obstruction Caused by Stomach Cancer

Objectives

This study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of the big end double-layer uncovered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) for the treatment of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) caused by distal stomach cancer.

Methods

Seventy three patients receiving big end double-layer uncovered SEMS for the treatment of GOO caused by distal gastric cancer will be included in this multicenter prospective clinical trial. The main outcome measures included the functional outcome, the complications, the reinterventional rates, the average treatment charges, and the mean survival time. Monthly telephone calls were needed to assess the food intake until the patients died.

Results

The technical and the clinical success rates were 98.6%. The stent obstruction caused by tumor ingrowth was observed in one patient (1.4%). The incidence of food impaction was 2.9% (2/70) and the reinterventional rate was 4.3% (3/70). However, stent migration and obstruction caused by overgrowth were not observed. No perforation and severe bleeding were observed. The median cost of endoscopic stenting and total hospitalization (including reinterventions) for the big end double-layer uncovered SEMS in this study was $2945 and $3408, respectively. The mean survival time was 212.5 days.

Conclusions

The placement of big end double-layer uncovered SEMS is a safe and effective modality and has the potential to be one of the options for the treatment of GOO caused by the distal gastric cancer.

Antroduodenal Stenting for Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: Technique and Outcome

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is usually a late presentation of gastric cancer, pancreaticobiliary malignancy, and extrinsic lymph nodal compression. Presenting symptoms are abdominal pain, postprandial epigastric fullness, and recurrent vomiting, which lead to severe malnutrition and dehydration and poor quality of life (QoL). Endoscopic enteral stent placement has become the acceptable alternative modality for palliation of malignant GOO because it is safe, minimally invasive, and a cost-effective procedure. In addition, endoscopic stent placement leads to shorter time to resume oral diet and shorter hospital stay in comparison to surgical bypass. Endoscopic stent placement is associated with high technical as well as clinical success rates and improvement in QoL, but no survival improvement. Recurrence of symptoms occurs due to stent occlusion, or stent migration, which can be successfully managed with repeat endoscopic stent placement. Perforation and bleeding are serious but rare complications.

Palliation of malignant gastroduodenal obstruction with self-expandable metal stent using side- and forward-viewing endoscope: Feasibility and outcome

Background

The endoscopic placement of a self‐expandable metal stent (SEMS), an alternative to surgical bypass for the palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), is commonly performed using a forward‐viewing endoscope with a wide therapeutic channel; however, due to limited availability, most Indian centers use a side‐viewing duodenoscope. We studied the feasibility and outcome of SEMS placement using side‐ and forward‐viewing endoscopes.

Method

Data of patients undergoing SEMS placement using side‐ and forward‐viewing endoscopes with a therapeutic channel for the palliation of malignant GOO presenting during a 5‐year period were analyzed retrospectively. Follow‐up data were obtained from records and telephonic interviews, and technical and clinical success, complications, and survival were evaluated.

Results

Of 114 patients (age 56.5 ± 11.6 years, 59 [52%] female), 90 (79%) and 24 (21%) underwent SEMS placement using side‐ and forward‐viewing endoscopes, respectively. Technical (89, 98.9% vs. 24, 100%, P = ns) and clinical success (84, 93.3% vs. 23, 95.8%, P = ns) and complication rate (3, 3.3% vs. 0, P = ns) between side‐ and forward‐viewing endoscopes were comparable. However, SEMS could be placed in a shorter time using a forward‐ rather than side‐viewing endoscope (21 min [inter‐quartile range 19.5–35] vs. 34 min [25–45], P = < 0.001). SEMS could be deployed successfully with a forward‐viewing endoscope in two patients in whom an initial attempt using side‐viewing endoscope failed. Gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (GOOSS) improved following stent placement (median 0, range 0–2 vs. 2, 0–3, P = 0.0001). The survival of patients undergoing SEMS placement using side‐ and forward‐viewing endoscopes was comparable.

Conclusion

Although side‐ and forward‐viewing endoscopes are equally effective for antroduodenal SEMS placement, the procedure can be performed faster using the latter.

Comparison of big funnel and individualized stents for management of stomach cancer with gastric outlet obstruction

BACKGROUND

Previous studies reported a similar rate of complications, including stent migration and obstruction, between individualized stents and the standard uncovered stents in gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) caused by distal stomach cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of funnel stents for management of GOO caused by distal stomach cancer.

METHODS

This study was designed as a multicenter, controlled, prospective, and randomized clinical trial involving 4 hospitals. The individualized stent group (44 cases) received cup and funnel covered stents, and the funnel group (44 cases) received only funnel covered stents for management of GOO caused by distal gastric cancer.

RESULTS

All patients with GOO were treated with cup and funnel stents according to their assigned groups. The rate of GOO resolution was 100% in the funnel group and 97.7% in the individualized stent group. Stent obstruction caused by tumor ingrowth was observed in 1 patient in the individualized stent group, and proximal partial stent migration was observed in 1 patient in each group. Stent obstruction caused by tumor ingrowth was observed in 1 patient in the individualized stent group. There was no statistical difference in stent migration, obstruction, and survival between groups.

CONCLUSION

Big funnel stents and individualized stents resulted in similar shaping effect and prevention of stent migration and obstruction, suggesting that funnel shaped stents can be used to treat cup or funnel shaped GOO caused by distal stomach cancer.

Endoscopic stenting for palliation of intra-abdominal gastrointestinal malignant obstruction: predictive factors for clinical success

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic stenting proved to be a safe alternative to surgery for malignant intra-abdominal gastrointestinal obstruction. Although high technical success rates have been reported, some patients do not experience relief in symptoms.

AIM

This study aimed to analyse the factors predicting the effectiveness of stent placement in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out including 160 patients who underwent palliative stenting for intra-abdominal obstruction in a tertiary centre from December 2012 to July 2017. Technical and clinical success, stent dysfunction and adverse events were analysed.

RESULTS

The rate of technical success was 98%. The rate of early clinical success was 69 and 81% in upper and lower gastrointestinal obstructions, respectively (P=0.107). In the upper tract, obstruction caused by carcinomatosis was the only independent factor predicting early and late clinical failure [odds ratio (OR): 9.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5-38.4, P=0.001 and OR: 7.6, 95% CI: 1.8-31.9, P=0.006, respectively]. In the colon, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of at least 3 was an independent factor for early clinical failure (OR: 29.8, 95% CI: 1.9-464.9, P=0.002) and obstruction caused by carcinomatosis was an independent factor for late clinical failure (OR: 14.4, 95% CI: 1.7-119.6, P=0.013). Perforation occurred in 4 patients (2.5%) and stent dysfunction occurred in 15% of patients (4% stent migration; 9% restenosis). Carcinomatosis was a risk factor for perforation (P=0.039) and migration was higher with shorter 6 cm stents (P=0.044).

CONCLUSION

Stents are effective and safe for palliation of intra-abdominal obstruction. Carcinomatosis predicts an unfavourable clinical outcome. Palliative stenting as an option should be weighed carefully in these patients.

Outcomes of endoscopic biliary drainage in pancreatic cancer patients with an indwelling gastroduodenal stent: a multicenter cohort study in West Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gastroduodenal and biliary obstruction may occur synchronously or asynchronously in advanced pancreatic cancer, and endoscopic double stent placement may be required. EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) often is performed after unsuccessful placement of an endoscopic transpapillary stent (ETS), and EUS-BD may be beneficial in double stent placement. This retrospective multicenter cohort study compared the outcomes of ETS placement and EUS-BD in patients with an indwelling gastroduodenal stent (GDS).

METHODS

We recorded the clinical outcomes of patients at 5 tertiary-care medical centers who required biliary drainage after GDS placement between March 2009 and March 2014.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were included in this study. Patients' mean age was 68.5 years; 23 (59.0%) were men. The GDS overlay the papilla in 23 patients (59.0%). The overall technical success rate was significantly higher with EUS-BD (95.2%) than with ETS placement (56.0%; P < .01). Furthermore, the technical success rate was significantly higher with EUS-BD (93.3%) than with ETS placement (22.2%; P < .01) when the GDS overlies the papilla. The overall clinical success rate of EUS-BD also was significantly higher than for ETS placement (90.5% vs 52.0%, respectively; P = .01), and there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events (ETS, 32.0% vs EUS-BD, 42.9%; P = .65).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic double stent placement with EUS-BD is technically and clinically superior to ETS placement in patients with an indwelling GDS. EUS-BD should be considered the first-line treatment option for patients with an indwelling GDS that overlies the papilla. ETS placement remains a reasonable alternative when the papilla is not covered by the GDS.

Fluoroscopic Gastroduodenal Stent Placement in 55 Patients with Endoscopic Stent Placement Failure

PURPOSE

To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical effectiveness of fluoroscopic self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement in malignant gastroduodenal obstructions after failed endoscopic SEMS placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between September 2010 and July 2017, 874 patients underwent endoscopic SEMS placement for dysphagia caused by malignant gastroduodenal obstructions. Endoscopic SEMS placement failed in 55 of 874 patients (6.3%). These patients were referred for fluoroscopic SEMS placement. In case of failed fluoroscopic SEMS placement, combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic SEMS placement was attempted at the same setting.

RESULTS

Fluoroscopic SEMS placement was technically successful in 40 of 55 patients (72.7%). Combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic SEMS placement was technically successful in 6 of 15 patients with fluoroscopic SEMS placement failure. Failures in the nine patients were due to complete obstruction (n = 5) and acute angulation at the stricture site (n = 4). The overall technical success rate was 83.6% (46/55). Clinical success was achieved in 95.6% of patients (44/46). Complications occurred in 7 of 46 patients (15.2%), including tumor overgrowth (n = 3), SEMS migration (n = 3), and bleeding (n = 1). The median SEMS patency and patient survival periods were 515 (95% confidence interval (CI), 266.6-761.5) and 83 (95% CI 60.6-105.4) days, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluoroscopic SEMS placement is technically feasible and clinically effective in cases of endoscopic SEMS placement failure. A combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic approach increases the technical success rate after failure of the endoscopic or fluoroscopic approach.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

International study of endoscopic management of distal malignant biliary obstruction combined with duodenal obstruction

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic transpapillary or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided stent placement is used for nonresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate endoscopic biliary drainage in patients with duodenal obstruction.

METHODS

We included consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic biliary drainage combined with a duodenal stent at 16 referral centers in four Asian countries. The primary outcome was time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO). We assessed TRBO according to the sequence of biliary and duodenal obstruction (group 1/2/3, biliary obstruction first/concurrent/duodenal obstruction first, respectively) or the location of duodenal obstruction (type I/II/III, proximal to/affecting/distal to the ampulla, respectively). We also evaluated functional success and adverse events.

RESULTS

We included 110 patients (group1/2/3, 67/29/14 patients; type I/II/III, 45/46/19 patients; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP]/EUS-guided choledocoduodenostomy/EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy, 90/10/10 patients, respectively). The median TRBO of all cases was 450 days (interquartile range, 212-666 days) and functional success was achieved in 105 cases (95%). The TRBO did not differ significantly by the timing or location of duodenal obstruction (p = .30 and .79, respectively). The TRBO of metal stents (n = 96) tended to be longer compared with plastic stents (n = 14, p = .083). Compared with ERCP, EUS-guided biliary drainage was associated with a higher rate of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Transpapillary or transmural endoscopic biliary drainage with a duodenal stent was effective, irrespective of the timing or location of duodenal obstruction. A prospective study is required considering the tradeoff of technical success rate, stent patency, and adverse events (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02376907).

Recent Advances in Endoscopy

In this narrative review, invited by the Editors of Gastroenterology, we summarize recent advances in the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy. We have chosen articles published primarily in the past 2-3 years. Although a thorough literature review was performed for each topic, the nature of the article is subjective and systematic and is based on the authors' experience and expertise regarding articles we believed were most likely to be of high clinical and scientific importance.

Covered versus uncovered metal stents for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are used for non-resectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Studies of covered versus uncovered SEMS have yielded inconsistent results as a result of heterogeneity in design and patient population. We carried out a meta-analysis to compare covered and uncovered gastroduodenal SEMS.

METHODS

Using MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane database, we identified 1624 patients from 13 prospective and retrospective studies that evaluated covered and uncovered SEMS for malignant GOO and were published until October 2016. We pooled data on SEMS dysfunction, technical and clinical success, and adverse events using the fixed-effect or random-effects model.

RESULTS

Compared with uncovered SEMS, covered SEMS did not show any significant difference in stent dysfunction risk (risk ratio [RR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-1.32). A subgroup analysis of five randomized trials suggested a trend toward a lower dysfunction risk in covered SEMS (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45-0.88). Covered SEMS were associated with a lower occlusion risk (RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28-0.68), but with a higher migration risk (RR, 4.28; 95% CI, 2.89-6.34). Technical and clinical success rates were comparable between the groups. Overall adverse events tended to be more frequent in covered SEMS (RR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.09-2.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of covered and uncovered gastroduodenal SEMS were comparable, although the lower dysfunction rate of covered SEMS observed in the analysis of randomized trials needs further investigation. Antimigration mechanisms for covered SEMS and identification of patients who can achieve longer patency from uncovered SEMS would help improve the outcomes of gastroduodenal SEMS.

Recent advancements in stent therapy in patients with malignant gastroduodenal outlet obstruction

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is one of severe comorbidities caused by many kinds of malignant diseases and is associated with not only degradation of patients' quality of life but also mortality. Although surgical bypass is one of the main therapies for malignant GOO, it is often difficult to perform in end-stage patients. The deployment of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) has recently become a viable alternative to surgical bypass for malignant GOO. This technique is less invasive and more effective, particularly in patients with poor prognoses. Many reports have referred to the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of the placement of SEMSs for malignant GOO. According to these reports, the rates of technical and clinical success were reported to be relatively high and the rate of adverse events to be acceptable. However, precautions against severe adverse events such as massive bleeding and perforation are necessary. Several reports have described the differences in clinical results among different kinds of SEMSs. The presence of a covered design for SEMSs may affect the patency of SEMSs and the rate of stent dysfunction. Selection of the SEMS according to axial force may affect successful achievement of long patency of SEMSs and avoidance of gastroduodenal perforation at the bending site of the duodenum. Compared with high technical success rates nearing 100%, clinical success rates were usually lower than technical success. Therefore, determination of predictive factors for failure of clinical success is important. Several papers reported that low performance status could be associated with failure of clinical success. However, the association of clinical success with other factors such as carcinomatosa and ascites remains controversial, which is a problem to be solved. Reintervention with SEMS using the stent-in-stent method after stent dysfunction can be performed effectively as well as placement of the first SEMS.

Predictors of outcomes in patients undergoing covered and uncovered self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Uncovered self-expandable metal stents (U-SEMSs) and covered self-expandable metal stents (C-SEMSs) are available for palliative therapy for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). However, clinical differences and indications between the 2 types of SEMSs have not been elucidated.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared 126 patients with U-SEMS and 126 patients with C-SEMSs with regard to clinical outcome and factors predictive of clinical improvement after SEMSs placement.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between the U-SEMS and C-SEMS groups with respect to technical success, clinical success, GOO score, or time to stent dysfunction. Stent migration was significantly more frequent in patients with C-SEMSs (U-SEMSs, .79%; C-SEMSs, 8.73%; P = .005). Karnofsky performance status, chemotherapy, peritoneal dissemination, and stent expansion ≤ 30% were associated significantly with poor GOO score improvement in multivariable analyses, but stent type was not (P = .213). In subgroup analyses, insufficient (≤30%) stent expansion was an independent factor in patients with U-SEMSs (P = .041) but not C-SEMSs. In the insufficient stent expansion subgroup, C-SEMSs was associated significantly with superior clinical improvement compared with U-SEMSs (P = .01). Insufficient stent expansion was observed more frequently in patients with GI obstruction because of anastomotic sites or metastatic cancer (44.8% [13/29], P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

No clinical difference, apart from stent migration, was observed between patients with U-SEMSs and C-SEMSs. GI obstruction because of an anastomotic site or metastatic cancer may be an indication for C-SEMS use to improve oral intake after SEMSs placement.

Duodenal stenting followed by systemic chemotherapy for patients with pancreatic cancer and gastric outlet obstruction

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic duodenal stenting has recently been proposed as a substitute for surgical gastrojejunostomy for the treatment of gastric outlet obstruction. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of duodenal stenting followed by systemic chemotherapy for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer with gastric outlet obstruction.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study, conducted at an academic medical center, of 71 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and gastric outlet obstruction (mean age: 67.6 years; range: 31-92 years) who underwent duodenal stenting with or without subsequent chemotherapy. Overall survival, duration of oral intake of foods, the rate of introduction of chemotherapy, progression-free survival, and adverse events were evaluated.

RESULTS

Stent placement was technically successful in 69 (97%) patients. Thirty-six (51%) patients were treated with chemotherapy: 17 with gemcitabine alone, 15 with S-1 alone, 3 with FOLFIRINOX, and 1 with paclitaxel. Median progression-free survival and overall survival after chemotherapy were 2.6 months (95% confidence interval: 1.3-3.9 months) and 4.7 months (95% confidence interval: 2.6-6.8 months), respectively. Cases of grade 3 anemia were frequently observed during chemotherapies following duodenal stenting (32%). Tumor stage, performance status, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and introduction of chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for survival (hazard ratios of 3.73, 2.21, 2.69, and 1.85 with p-values of <0.001, 0.010, <0.001, and 0.045, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that endoscopic duodenal stenting is an advantageous treatment in advanced pancreatic cancer patients with gastric outlet obstruction regarding its safety and smooth conduction of subsequent chemotherapies.