A pilot study of novel duodenal covered self-expandable metal stent fixation

Management of Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Comprehensive Review on the Old, the Classic and the Innovative Approaches

Gastrojejunostomy is the principal method of palliation for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstructions (GOO). Gastrojejunostomy was traditionally performed as a surgical procedure with an open approach butrecently, notable progress in the development of minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic gastrojejunostomies have emerged. Additionally, advancements in endoscopic techniques, including endoscopic stenting (ES) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE), are becoming more prominent. ES involves the placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) to restore luminal patency. ES is commonly the first choice for patients deemed unfit for surgery or at high surgical risk. However, although ES leads to rapid improvement of symptoms, it carries limitations like higher stent dysfunction rates and the need for frequent re-interventions. Recently, EUS-GE has emerged as a potential alternative, combining the minimally invasive nature of the endoscopic approach with the long-lasting effects of a gastrojejunostomy. Having reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of these different techniques, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review regarding the management of unresectable malignant GOO.

Newly designed OTS Clip for preventing fully-covered self-expandable metal stent migration in the gastrointestinal tract

Background and study aims  Fully-covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) are frequently used for endoscopic management of gastrointestinal lesions. However, stent migration occurs in up to one-third of patients. Different tools are used to anchor stents to prevent migration. A specifically designed over-the-scope device (Stentfix OTS Clip system) was recently introduced to prevent fully covered SEMS migration in the gastrointestinal tract. The study aimed to evaluate technical success and stent migration rates with the Stentfix device.

Patients and methods  Data were collected from consecutive patients at four participating centers who were at high risk of FCSEMS migration and in whom the anchoring system was used to prevent migration.

Results  A total of 31 patients were enrolled. Technically successful clip placement was achieved in all cases. At follow-up, the distal part of the device dislocated from the duodenum into the antrum at 3 days in one patient, accounting for a 3.2 % (95 % CI = 0–9.4) rate of stent migration. The underlying lesion being treated healed in all patients, but 10 patients died before stent removal due to neoplastic progression.

Conclusions  A dedicated over-the-scope stent fixation device appears to be safe and effective in preventing fully-covered SEMS migration through the gastrointestinal tract.

Efficacy of endoscopic over-the-scope clip fixation for preventing migration of self-expandable metal stents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Over-the-scope clips (OTSC), both conventional and Stentfix, are believed to anchor the self-expanding metal (SEMS) and prevent migration. We aimed to systematically study the efficacy of endoscopic OTSC fixation of SEMS in prevention of migration.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases from inception to November 11, 2022 to identify studies reporting outcomes of OTSC fixation of metal stents. The primary outcome was to calculate the pooled migration rates following OTSC anchorage of SEMS and to compare it with controls (SEMS without any fixation). The secondary outcomes include technical and clinical success of OTSC anchorage of SEMS. Random effect models were used to determine pooled rates of migration and technical as well as clinical success rates of OTSC anchorage of metal stents.

RESULTS

A total of 9 studies were included. The pooled rate of migration following OTSC anchorage of SEMS was 0.10 (95%CI, 0.04-0.20, I² = 43%). The pooled rate of migration following OTSC anchorage of esophageal SEMS was 0.08 (95%CI, 0.04-0.15, I² = 0%). The pooled risk ratio of SEMS migration following OTSC Stentfix was lower as compared to no fixation of SEMS [RR = 0.24 (95%CI,0.13- 0.43, I² = 0)]. The pooled technical success rate of OTSC fixation following SEMS was 0.98 (95%CI, 0.81-1.00, I² = 0%). The pooled clinical success rate of OTSC fixation following SEMS was 0.79 (95%CI, 0.64-0.88, I² = 56%). All studies had valid and reliable methods to diagnose migration, technical and clinical success.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of OTSC clips (conventional or Stentfix) for anchorage had a lower risk of migration of metal stents than no fixation. Future studies should look into prospective multicenter studies on their use to prevent the migration of SEMS.

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.