Transhepatic assisted transoral placement of a duodenal stent in malignant gastric outlet obstruction

Trans-Biliary Gastric Outlet Recanalization and Stenting: A Case Report

Gastric ischemia is a condition of hypo-perfusion associated with hypotension, vasculitis, and thromboembolism. We report a case of a gastric outflow obstruction due to sizeable visceral artery thrombo-embolism leading to the ischemic conclusion, the frailty, multiple comorbidities deeming general anesthesia (GA) risky, and the patient’s decision not to have an open surgery under GA. Invasive procedures in patients with similar profiles like our patient are usually not risk-free, this leads the intervention radiology team to believe a minimally invasive procedure while avoiding GA might be optimal. A 63-year-old female with multiple comorbidities came eight weeks after significant surgery complaining of severe acute epigastric pain, abdominal distention and rigidity, and persistent vomiting. Further investigations showed obstruction in the gastric antrum and pyloric canal. Three separate endoscopic attempts to find and cross the stricture failed. Firstly, gastrostomy access was established, but due to the stomach being massively distended, passing a guidewire through the pylorus failed despite using multiple hydrophilic wires and pre-shaped catheters, this is due to the collapsed pylorus. Subsequently, two attempts under ultrasound guidance to puncture the duodenal bulb and pass a wire and catheter through the antrum stricture were unsuccessful, and another attempt was considered of high risk. An alternative approach through the gallbladder was established, and cholangiography was performed to delineate the anatomy. Then an approach through the right hepatic duct and ampulla of Vater was successfully performed. The attempted passage through the stricture was successful. The dilation was successful, and the patient tolerated both fluid and solids orally. Due to having such a frail patient, interventions of minimal invasiveness and favorable outcome are welcomed. This case report suggests that this technique showed satisfactory results and achieved the goal to improve the overall quality of life where the patient had a good oral intake with no post-operation complications.

Obstructive jaundice after bilioenteric anastomosis: transhepatic and direct percutaneous enteral stent insertion for afferent loop occlusion

Recurrent tumour after radical pancreaticoduodenectomy may cause obstruction of the small bowel loop draining the liver. Roux-loop obstruction presents a particular therapeutic challenge, since the postsurgical anatomy usually prevents endoscopic access. Careful multidisciplinary discussion and multimodality preprocedure imaging are essential to accurately demonstrate the cause and anatomical location of the obstruction. Transhepatic or direct percutaneous stent placement should be possible in most cases, thereby avoiding long-term external biliary drainage. Gastropexy T-fasteners will secure the percutaneous access and reduce the risk of bile leakage. The static bile is invariably contaminated by gut bacteria, and systemic sepsis is to be expected. Enteral stents are preferable to biliary stents, and compound covered stents in a sandwich construction are likely to give the best long-term results. Transhepatic and direct percutaneous enteral stent insertion after jejunopexy is illustrated and the literature reviewed.