Self-expanding metal stents for complicated and recurrent esophagogastric cancer

Complications Related to Esophageal Stent (Boston Scientific Wallflex vs. Merit Medical Endotek) Use in Benign and Malignant Conditions

Background In our institutions, there are two types of stents used: the Boston Scientific Wallflex (Marlborough, Massachusetts) and Merit Medical Endotek (South Jordan, Utah). So we performed this retrospective study to compare complication rates in various esophageal disorders to improve our quality of care. Methods Charts were reviewed to capture gender, indications of stent placement, stent length/diameter, age of the patient at the time of stent placement, length of hospital stay, physicians performing a procedure, and complications within 90 days of stent placement. Results A total of 67 patients (71.6% male) underwent stent placement (WallFlex 49.3% and Merit 50.8%) for malignant (68.7%) mainly esophageal obstruction by primary esophageal cancer (89.1%) and benign causes (31.3%) mainly esophageal leak (66.7%). Merit and WallFlex used in malignant conditions were 82.4% and 54.6%, respectively, and in benign conditions, they were 17.7% and 45.5%, respectively. The mean age at which endoscopy was performed was 64. Complications post Merit and WallFlex placement were 79.4% and 60.6%, respectively. Complications with malignant and benign conditions were 73.9% and 61.9%, respectively. Complications with 19, 18, and 23 mm diameters were 75.0%, 66.7%, and 69.4%, respectively. Complications with 120, 150, 100, 15, 12, 10 mm stent lengths were 84.6%, 58.3%, 58.8%, 80.0%, 75.0%, and 33.3%, respectively. Conclusion Our study showed that the Merit stent was mainly used, and the major indication of stent placement was a malignant condition. Major complications were seen when the reason for stent placement was a malignant condition, the diameter was 19 mm, the length was 120 mm, and the use of the Merit stent.

Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Placement for the Palliation of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal stents have been used to palliate patients with dysphagia caused by esophageal cancer. Early rigid plastic prostheses have been associated with a high risk of complications. However, with the development of self-expanding stents, it has developed into a widely accepted method for treating malignant esophageal strictures and esophagorespiratory fistulas (ERFs). The present review covers various aspects of self-expanding metallic stent placement for palliating esophageal cancer, including its types, placement procedures, indications, contraindications, complications, and some of innovations that will become available in the future.

Can a Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Stent be Used Temporarily for the Management of Duodenal Retroperitoneal Perforation During ERCP as a Part of Conservative Therapy?

PURPOSE

There are no reports comparing the results of conservative/nonsurgical management with the addition of fully covered self-expandable metallic stents (FCSEMS) with the conservative approach in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related duodenal retroperitoneal (type II) perforations. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of FCSEMS to conventional treatment provides further benefits in the course of type II perforations.

METHODS

A total of 7471 ERCP with sphincterotomy performed between 2007 and 2014 were evaluated, and a total of 25 type II perforations (0.33%) were identified. About 20 patients who were detected during ERCP and biliary cannulation was accomplished were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the conservative treatment group (10 patients) and the FCSEMS group (10 patients). Groups were compared for clinical findings, results of serial white blood cell (WBC) counts, the length of hospital stay, the need for surgery, and death, retrospectively.

RESULTS

Five patients in the conservative treatment group and none of the patients in the FCSEMS group had pain requiring narcotic and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics during the follow-up period (P=0.005). On post-ERCP day 1, in the conservative and the FCSEMS groups, mean WBC counts were 13,218±4410×10 and 8714±3270×10, respectively (P=0.029). The perforation-related length of hospital stay was 15.77±5.21 days in the conservative group and 11.7±3.19 days in the FCSEMS group (P=0.053). Excluding the patient with severe pancreatitis in the conservative group, there were no deaths or need for surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with conservative treatment alone, the addition of FCSEMS provides further benefits in terms of a painless course, lower WBC counts, and a short hospital stay. FCSEMS can be used as an additional treatment modality in type II perforation.

[Management of delayed complications after esophagectomy]

Esophagectomy and subsequent reconstruction represent major physiological insults to the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which as a consequence can lead to malnutrition, dysphagia and reflux. From a technical perspective, operative reconstruction involving gastric pull-up with a 2-3 cm wide tube and an anastomosis cranial to the azygos vein may minimize the symptoms. Overall, the problems tend to improve approximately 6 months after the operation. Newly occurring delayed physical functional impairments with previously known underlying malignant disease may be indicative of cancer relapse. Interventional techniques, such as stent placement or brachytherapy may be better suited for treatment of recurrent disease.

Esophageal stents for the treatment of malignant dysphagia in patients with esophageal cancer

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are the current standard for relief of malignant esophageal dysphagia. Self-expanding plastic stents (SEPS) are also used for relief of malignant esophageal dysphagia and as neoadjuvant therapy due to their relative ease of removability. The innovations in design of both SEMS and SEPS have made their use more prevalent in patients with malignant dysphagia. We review the current literature on esophageal stents, including general concepts, indications, contraindications, SEMS and SEPS models, complications and their management, implications of tumor location, cost-effectiveness of stents in comparison with other modalities, and quality of life after stent placement.

Closure of benign leaks, perforations, and fistulas with temporary placement of fully covered metal stents: a retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

Partially covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS), have been suggested as an alternative to surgery in the treatment of esophageal fistulas of benign etiology. Nevertheless, uncomplicated removal remains difficult. The use of fully covered (FC) SEMSs could solve this problem.

OBJECTIVES

To review our experience with FC-SEMS placement in patients with benign upper gastrointestinal leaks or perforations. We wanted to assess successful closure of the perforations and short-term and long-term complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multicenter study, including 3 tertiary centers. Retrospective review of patients who underwent FC-SEMS placement for benign perforations.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight stents were placed in 56 patients. We achieved leak closure in 44 patients (78.6%). There were 18 migrations. All of them could be solved endoscopically. A severe septic situation was associated with a higher mortality rate (27.6% vs. 7.4%; P=0.049) and a lower success rate (34.5% vs. 7.4%; P=0.088), compared with those patients who did not present severe sepsis. However, these differences could not be confirmed by multivariable analysis. The results in the subgroup of 11 patients with leaks after sleeve gastrectomy were also good (73% success without surgery and 0% mortality).

CONCLUSIONS

Temporary placement of FC-SEMS for benign perforations, fistulas, and leaks is feasible in sealing the leaks. All migrations could be solved endoscopically. It is very important to insert the stent before sepsis is established. This article also would be an addition to the growing body of literature supporting stenting as a good alternative if not standard approach to controlling these leaks.

Safety and benefits of self-expandable metallic stents with chemotherapy for malignant gastric outlet obstruction

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The influence of chemotherapy on placement of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) has not been evaluated extensively. We investigated the influence of chemotherapy on the clinical outcomes of SEMS placement for MGOO.

METHODS

A total of 152 cancer patients with MGOO from a university hospital and affiliate hospitals were included. The patients were classified according to chemotherapy status and evaluated for palliative efficacy and safety of SEMS placement.

RESULTS

Technical success rate, time to oral intake, and parameters indicating improvement of physical condition did not differ between the with- and without-chemotherapy groups after stent placement. Re-intervention and stent migration were significantly more frequent in the with-chemotherapy group than in the without-chemotherapy group after stent placement (re-intervention, 32.4% vs 7.8%, P = 0.0005; stent migration, 13.5% vs 1.7%, P = 0.0097). The frequency of adverse events did not differ between the with- and without-chemotherapy groups. Although chemotherapy after stent placement was an independent predictive factor for shortening the stent patency period (hazard ratio [HR], 3.10; P = 0.0264), the use of additional stents facilitated uneventful recovery and further prolonged survival time (HR, 0.60; P = 0.0132).

CONCLUSIONS

Various cancer patients with MGOO can undergo SEMS placement safely regardless of chemotherapy, and concurrent chemotherapy after stent placement can prolong survival time, although re-intervention and stent migration may be increased.

Acute GI obstruction

Acute gastrointestinal obstruction occurs when the normal flow of intestinal contents is interrupted. The blockage can occur at any level throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The clinical symptoms depend on the level and extent of obstruction. Various benign and malignant processes can produce acute gastrointestinal obstruction, which often represents a medical emergency because of the potential for bowel ischemia leading to perforation and peritonitis. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are thus essential. The typical clinical symptoms associated with obstruction include nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, abdominal pain and failure to pass bowel movements. Abdominal distention, tympany due to an air-filled stomach and high-pitched bowel sounds suggest the diagnosis. The diagnostic process involves imaging including radiography, ultrasonography, contrast fluoroscopy and computer tomography in less certain cases. In patients with uncomplicated obstruction, management is conservative, including fluid resuscitation, electrolyte replacement, intestinal decompression and bowel rest. In many cases, endoscopy may aid in both the diagnostic process and in therapy. Endoscopy can be used for bowel decompression, dilation of strictures or placement of self-expandable metal stents to restore the luminal flow either as a final treatment or to allow for a delay until elective surgical therapy. When gastrointestinal obstruction results in ischemia, perforation or peritonitis, emergency surgery is required.

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

Endoscopic stents have evolved dramatically over the past 20 years. With the introduction of uncovered self-expanding metal stents in the early 1990s, they are primarily used to palliate symptoms of malignant obstruction in patients with inoperable gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. At present, stents have emerged as an effective, safe, and less invasive alternative for the treatment of malignant GI obstruction. Clinical decisions about stent placement should be made based on the exact understanding of the patient's condition. These recommendations based on a critical review of the available data and expert consensus are made for the purpose of providing endoscopists with information about stent placement. These can be helpful for management of patients with inoperable cancer or various nonmalignant conditions in the upper GI tract.

Esophageal stenting

Malignant obstruction of the esophagus is a debilitating condition, with dysphagia as its main symptom. Many patients present with advanced disease and palliative treatment is the only possibility. Since their widespread introduction 10 years ago, self-expanding metal stents have become accepted as an extremely effective method of palliating malignant dysphagia. Early reports suggesting very low complications have been superseded by results from randomized trials. It is now evident that the complication rate is significant and the need for reintervention can be as high as 50%. Modifications in stent design should reduce this reintervention rate. There are a large number of stent designs now available and it is essential that the interventional radiologist understand the particular strengths and weaknesses of each design, so that the correct choice of stent can be made for a particular patient. The most recent designs include antireflux stents and removable stents. Both represent significant advances and should reduce stent-related complications.

Stents for proximal esophageal cancer: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) are an established palliative therapy for esophageal cancer. SEMS placement for cancers near the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is controversial because of a perceived increased risk of complications.

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes after patients stented for proximal esophageal cancer (PC) and distal esophageal cancer (DC).

DESIGN

Matched case-control study from a prospective database.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center, Tenwek Hospital, Bomet, Kenya.

PATIENTS

All patients with PC located within 6 cm of the UES were matched with randomly selected controls with DC.

INTERVENTIONS

Outcomes of PC cases were compared with those of DC controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Dysphagia score, complications, median survival.

RESULTS

A total of 151 patients with PC were identified and were randomly matched with DC controls. Ninety-three case-control pairs had adequate follow-up information available. Mean dysphagia scores (scale 0-4) improved from 3.4 and 3.3 before stenting for PC and DC, respectively, to 1.5 after stenting for both groups (P = .93). Early complications occurred in 6.5% of PC cases and 9.7% of DC controls (P = .44). Late complications occurred in 20.4% of PC cases and 15.1% of DC controls (P = .25). Median survival was 210 days for PC cases and 272 days for DC controls (P = .25). Outcomes were similar for the subgroup of PC cases whose cancer extended to within 2 cm of the UES.

LIMITATION

An important limitation is the absence of adequate follow-up data for 58 of the 151 case-control pairs.

CONCLUSIONS

SEMSs effectively palliate dysphagia in PC cases, whereas complication and survival rates are not statistically different from those of DC controls.

Role of esophageal stents in the nutrition support of patients with esophageal malignancy

Endoluminal stents are commonly used for palliative treatment of dysphagia in patients with advanced esophageal malignancies. The most frequently used esophageal stents are self-expanding metal stents. Removable self-expanding plastic stents have recently been used in the management of esophageal cancer patients treated with curative intent. Esophageal stents effectively alleviate dysphagia in most patients, and stent placement is associated with a low rate of complications. This article reviews the use of self-expanding esophageal stents in patients with esophageal cancer. Nutrition considerations following stent placement are addressed.

Esophageal stents for the palliation of malignant dysphagia and fistula recurrence after esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in staging methods, surgical techniques, and adjuvant treatment, recurrent cancer after esophagectomy is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) in patients with dysphagia or fistula caused by recurrent cancer after esophagectomy.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study with standardized treatment and follow-up.

SETTING

Single university center.

PATIENTS

In 81 patients with recurrent cancer after previous surgical esophagectomy, 100 esophageal SEMSs were inserted for dysphagia (n = 66) or fistula formation (n = 15).

INTERVENTIONS

Stent placement.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Technical and functional outcome, complications, and survival.

RESULTS

The SEMSs restored luminal patency in 65 (98%) of 66 patients and sealed malignant fistulae in 14 (93%) of 15 patients. Stent dysfunction occurred in 24 (30%) of 81 patients. They all were successfully managed by subsequent endoscopic intervention. After stent placement, a total of 16 complications were observed. Major complications occurred in 9 (11%) of 81 patients, mild complications occurred in 7 (9%) of 81 patients. The overall 30-day mortality rate after stent insertion was 25%. Progression of the disease resulted in death after a median interval of 70 days (range 1 day to 91 months).

LIMITATIONS

Nonrandomized design.

CONCLUSIONS

SEMS placement in recurrent esophageal cancer after surgical resection offers adequate palliation by relieving dysphagia and sealing off esophageal respiratory fistulae. Therefore, in these patients who have a relatively short life expectancy, SEMS placement should be considered the treatment of choice.

Malignant esophageal dysphagia palliation using insertion of a covered Ultraflex stent without fluoroscopy: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of placing self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) without fluoroscopy for palliation of malignant esophageal or esophagogastric strictures.

METHODS

From January 2003 to June 2008, a prospective observational study investigated the placement of covered proximal-release Ultraflex stents without fluoroscopy in nonoperable malignant esophageal and esophagogastric strictures. The technical success as well as the early and late complications (perforation, migration, severe gastroesophageal reflux, hematemesis, and reobstruction due to tissue ingrowth or overgrowth) were recorded. Dysphagia before and after stent placement was scored on a 5-point scale. All the patients were observed monthly in the outpatient clinic or by telephone contact until death.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 89 patients (16 women; mean age, 69.54±7.1 years) with dysphagia due to inoperable esophageal or esophagogastric malignant strictures (29 squamous cell cancers, 52 adenocarcinomas, and 8 obstructive malignant extrinsic compressions). The mean stricture length was 6.2±2.8 cm. Endoscopic deployment was achieved for 83 patients (93.2%), with accurate stent positioning in all the patients except one. An adequate relief of symptoms was noted for 82 of the patients (92.1%). During the follow-up period, 36 patients (43.4%) had recurrent dysphagia, caused by tumor overgrowth in 32 cases and stent migration in 4 cases, after an average time of 82 days (range 67-216 days). A stent-in-stent procedure was performed in 27 cases. For two patients, a third stent-in-stent needed to be placed after 85 and 216 days, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In most cases, SEMSs can be accurately and safely positioned without fluoroscopy for palliative treatment of malignant esophageal dysphagia.

Role of esophageal stents in benign and malignant diseases

These recommendations provide an evidence-based approach to the role of esophageal stents in the management of benign and malignant diseases. These guidelines have been developed under the auspices of the American College of Gastroenterology and its Practice Parameters Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees. The following guidelines are based on a critical review of the available scientific literature on the topic identified in Medline and PubMed (January 1992-December 2008) using search terms that included stents, self-expandable metal stents, self-expandable plastic stents, esophageal cancer, esophageal adenocarcinoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal stricture, perforations, anastomotic leaks, tracheoesophageal fistula, and achalasia. These guidelines are intended for use by health-care providers and apply to adult, but not pediatric, patients. As with other practice guidelines, these guidelines are not intended to replace clinical judgment but rather to provide general guidelines applicable to the majority of patients. Clinicians need to integrate recommendations with their own clinical judgment, and with individual patient circumstances, values, and preferences. They are intended to be flexible, in contrast to standards of care, which are inflexible policies designed to be followed in every case. Specific recommendations are based on relevant published information. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations have been assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system, which is a system that has been adopted by multiple national and international societies. The GRADE system is based on a sequential assessment of quality of evidence, followed by assessment of the balance between benefits vs. downsides (harms, burden, and costs) and subsequent judgment regarding the strength of recommendation.

Palliative stenting for relief of dysphagia in patients with inoperable esophageal cancer: impact on quality of life

The aim of palliation in patients with inoperable esophageal cancer is to relieve dysphagia with minimal morbidity and mortality, and thus improve quality of life (QOL). The use of a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) is a well-established modality for palliation of dysphagia in such patients. We assessed the QOL after palliative stenting in patients with inoperable esophageal cancer. Thirty-three patients with dysphagia due to inoperable esophageal cancer underwent SEMS insertion between October 2004 and December 2006. All patients had grade III/IV dysphagia and locally advanced unresectable cancer (n = 13), distant metastasis (n = 14), or comorbid conditions/poor general health status precluding a major surgical procedure (n = 6). Patients with grade I/II dysphagia and those with carcinoma of the cervical esophagus were excluded. The QOL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 (version 3) and EORTC QLQ-Esophagus (OES) 18 questionnaire (a QOL scale specifically designed for esophageal diseases) before and at 1, 4, and 8 weeks after placement of the stent. The mean age of the patients was 56 (range 34-78) years, and 22 were men. A covered SEMS was used in all patients. The most common site of malignancy was the lower third of the esophagus (n = 18, 55%). In 23 (77%) patients, the stent crossed the gastroesophageal junction. Seven patients required a reintervention for stent block (n = 5) and stent migration (n = 2). Dysphagia improved significantly immediately after stenting, and this improvement persisted until 8 weeks (16.5 vs. 90.6; P < 0.01). The global health status (5.8 vs. 71.7; P < 0.01) and all functional scores improved significantly after stenting from baseline until 8 weeks. Except pain (14.1 vs. 17.7; P = 0.67), there was significant improvement in deglutition (22.7 vs. 2.0; P < 0.01), eating (48 vs. 12.6; P < 0.01), and other symptom scales (19.7 vs. 12.1; P = 0.04) following stenting. The median survival was 4 months (3-7 months). Palliative stenting using SEMS resulted in significant improvement in all scales of QOL without any mortality and acceptable morbidity.

Outcome of palliative esophageal stenting for malignant dysphagia: a retrospective analysis

Greater than 50% of patients with esophageal carcinoma are found to be incurable at the time of diagnosis, leaving only palliative options. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMs) are effective for relieving symptoms and complications associated with esophageal carcinoma and improving quality of life. We undertook a retrospective analysis to evaluate the experience of palliative esophageal stenting for symptomatic malignant dysphagia in our institution over a period of 7 years. Between January 1999 and January 2006, 126 patients who received SEMs for malignant dysphagia were identified using an upper gastrointestinal specialist nurse clinician database. Data were obtained from patient case notes, endoscopy, histopathology, radiology, and external agency databases. Of the 126 identified, 36 patients were excluded from the analysis. A number of variables including age, sex, presenting complaints, type of stent, indications of stenting, success or failure of stent insertion, survival rate, and complication rate were analyzed. Of the 90 patients, 55 (61%) were male and 35 (39%) were female. The mean age of patients was 70.79 (range 40-97) years. The predominant presenting complaints were dysphagia (n = 81) and weight loss (n = 48). The indication for stenting was worsening dysphagia in all patients. Tumors were confined to the distal esophagus and esophagogastric junction in 73 patients (81%), and the mid-esophagus in 17 (19%). Adenocarcinoma was identified in 61 patients (67.8%) and squamous cell carcinoma in 29 (32.2%). Stenting numbers were comparable in endoscopic and radiologic groups (47 vs. 43), with successful stent deployment in 89 patients. The 7- and 30-day mortality was 9% (n = 8) and 28% (n = 25), respectively. Comparable numbers of early deaths were seen in both radiologic (n = 13) and endoscopic (n = 12) groups. Causes of early inpatient death included hemorrhage (n = 5), pneumonia (n = 7), exhaustion (n = 2), cardiac causes (n = 3), perforation (n = 1), and sepsis (n = 1). The number of patients with complications was 41 (45.6%), 25 in the surgical group and 15 in the radiologic group; the difference was not significant (P = 0.13). The mean survival time was 92.5 (0-638) days and median survival time was 61 days. A subgroup of patients with complete dysphagia (score 4) gained a mean survival of 59 days. Those patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy survived significantly longer than those receiving stenting alone (152.8 days vs. 71.8 days). There is no significant difference in complications or survival when using endoscopic or radiologic methods to deploy SEMs in patients with inoperable esophageal cancer. Mortality is low; however, the morbidity rate is significant. Patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy, in addition to stenting, survived significantly longer than those with a stent only.

A new approach to endoscopic treatment of tumors of the esophagogastric junction with individually designed self-expanding metal stents

The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophago-gastric junction is constantly increasing. Curative treatment is no longer possible at the time of diagnosis in more than 50% of patients with esophageal carcinoma, and palliative treatment focusing on eliminating dysphagia is required. Endoscopic therapy with stent implantation is an established method of achieving this. It can be carried out quickly, with a low rate of early complications, and leads to fast symptomatic improvement, assessed using the dysphagia score. The relatively high rate of late complications such as stent migration, hemorrhage, and gastroesophageal mucosal prolapse has led to recent debate on the role of metal stents in palliative therapy. We present here a new type of stent design for transcardial application, which is intended to prevent bleeding due to mechanical mucosal lesions caused by the distal end of the stent extending into the stomach. The further intention of this case report is to force the discussion on individually designed nitinol stents in special anatomic conditions.

Delayed complications after placement of self-expanding stents in malignant esophageal obstruction: treatment strategies and survival rate

PURPOSE

Placement of self-expanding metal stents is regarded as a safe and effective treatment in patients with incurable malignant esophagogastric obstruction. However, proceeding and possible benefit of re-interventions in patients with recurrent dysphagia due to delayed complications (>4 weeks after stent insertion) is unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 133 patients with malignant stricture of the esophagus or the esophagogastric junction 164 expandable metal stents were placed. About 89 patients were followed up until death. All tumor- or stent-related complications and consequent re-interventions were recorded.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of delayed complications was 53.4% (71 of 133 pts.), with 34 patients (25.6%) experiencing more than one complication. Recurrent dysphagia due to tumor ingrowth (22%) or overgrowth (15%), bolus obstruction (21%), stent migration (9%), and development of esophagorespiratory fistula (9%) was successfully treated by dilatation (24%), placement of a second/third stent (27%), laser therapy (16%), and/or placement of a feeding tube (PEG, 19%). The median survival of patients with endoscopic therapy was significantly longer (222 +/- 26 days) compared to patients without re-intervention (86 +/- 14 days, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed complications after metal stent placement for malignant esophageal stricture are common, but can be treated successfully by endoscopic re-intervention in most cases. Regular interventional therapy may also improve survival.

Stents in the GI tract

The application of stents in the GI tract has expanded tremendously. Stent placement is the most frequently used treatment modality for palliating dysphagia from esophageal or gastric cardia cancer. Newly designed esophageal stents, including the Polyflex stent and the Niti-S double stent, have been introduced to reduce recurrent dysphagia owing to migration or nontumoral or tumor overgrowth. Stents are also the treatment of choice for esophagorespiratory fistulas, for proximal malignant lesions near the upper esophageal sphincter, for recurrent carcinoma after esophagectomy or gastrectomy and for sealing traumatic or iatrogenic nonmalignant ruptures, such as Boerhaave's syndrome and leakages following surgery. Stents in the latter patient group should be removed within 4-8 weeks after placement to prevent the formation of granulation tissue or hyperplasia at the stent ends. For gastric outlet obstruction, many case series have been published. Only two, small, randomized controlled trials have compared stent placement with gastrojejunostomy to date, and a large, randomized trial is currently being conducted in The Netherlands. Obstructive jaundice caused by a malignancy in the common bile duct can be treated effectively with plastic or metal stent placement. However, a prognostic score needs to be developed that guides a treatment decision towards using either of these stents. Finally, colonic stents are applied successfully for acute malignant obstruction as a 'bridge to surgery' in patients with tumors that are deemed to be resectable, or as a palliative treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease.

Esophageal stents for malignant strictures close to the upper esophageal sphincter

BACKGROUND

Self-expanding stents are a well-accepted palliative treatment modality for strictures resulting from esophageal carcinoma. However, the use of stents close to the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is considered to be limited by patient intolerance caused by pain and globus sensation and an increased risk of complications, particularly tracheoesophageal fistula formation and aspiration pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to determine the efficacy and safety of stent placement in patients with a malignant obstruction close to the UES.

DESIGN

Evaluation of 104 patients with dysphagia from a malignant stricture close to the UES treated in the period 1996-2006.

SETTING

Single university center.

PATIENTS

Patients with primary esophageal carcinoma (n = 66) or recurrent cancer after gastric tube interposition (n = 38) within 8 cm distance distal of the UES. Twenty-four (23%) patients also had a tracheoesophageal fistula.

INTERVENTIONS

Stent placement.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Functional and technical outcome, survival, complications, and recurrent dysphagia. Analyses were performed by chi(2) test, Kaplan-Meier curves, and log-rank testing.

RESULTS

Mean distance from the UES to the upper tumor margin was 4.9 +/- 2.6 cm and to the upper stent margin 3.1 +/- 2.3 cm. The procedure was technically successful in 100 of 104 (96%) patients. Fistula sealing was achieved in 19 of 24 (79%) patients. After 4 weeks, dysphagia had improved from a median score of 3 (liquids only) to 1 (some difficulties with solids). Total complications were seen in 34 of 104 (33%) patients. Of these, major complications (aspiration pneumonia [9], hemorrhage [8], fistula [7], and perforation [2]) occurred in 22 (21%) patients, whereas pain after stent placement was observed in 16 (15%) patients. Recurrent dysphagia occurred in 29 (28%) patients and was mainly caused by tissue ingrowth or overgrowth (n = 10), food bolus obstruction (n = 7), stent migration (n = 3), or other reasons (n = 11), such as persistent fistula (n = 5), difficulty with swallowing (n = 4), and dislocation of the stent (n = 2). Eight (8%) patients complained of globus sensation; however, in none of the patients was stent removal indicated.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective design.

CONCLUSIONS

Stent placement is safe and effective for the palliation of dysphagia and sealing of fistulas in patients with a malignant stricture close to the UES. On the basis of these results, stent placement may be considered for palliation in this group of patients with an otherwise dismal prognosis.

Covered Metallic Stent Placement in the Management of Cervical Esophageal Strictures

PURPOSE

To describe the authors' experience with self-expandable covered metallic stents in 16 patients with malignant and benign cervical esophageal strictures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen expandable covered metallic stents were placed with fluoroscopic guidance in 16 patients (14 men, two women; mean age, 60 years; age range, 26-75 years) with malignant and benign strictures of the cervical esophagus. The causes of strictures were ingestion of corrosive agents (n = 3), biopsy-proved squamous cell carcinoma (n = 12), and postsurgical scarring (n = 1). The mean dysphagia scores at presentation were compared with those after stent placement by using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

Stent placement was technically successful in all patients. The reduction in the mean dysphagia score after stent placement was statistically significant (P = .0327). All patients complained of mild to severe foreign body sensation, with four reporting severe pain necessitating immediate stent removal. With the exception of one patient with limited follow-up, complications requiring intervention occurred in all patients, including migration in nine patients and tissue hyperproliferation in two. Of the 12 patients with a malignant stricture of the esophagus, four patients eventually underwent gastrostomy for the placement of a feeding tube and one patient underwent surgery. All four patients with a benign cervical stricture failed to achieve long-lasting improvement with temporary stent placement.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the placement of covered metallic stents in the cervical esophagus provides adequate initial palliation, it is associated with poor patient tolerance and a high complication rate.

Self-expanding stents in oesophageal cancer

The main therapeutic concern in patients with inoperable oesophageal cancer is palliation of dysphagia. Self-expandable metal stents are widely used because they are safer than conventional plastic stents, offer rapid relief from dysphagia and may seal off tracheo-oesophageal fistulae. Self-expanding metal stents, particularly when uncovered, are, however, associated with the disadvantage of tumour ingrowth. Self-expandable plastic stents are entirely covered and easy to reposition in case of migration and usually induce less inflammatory proliferation at their flanges when compared with metal stents. The major disadvantage of the current version of plastic stents is the large diameter and stiffness of the stent delivery system when compared with metal stents. Therefore, plastic stents are more difficult to place in patients with angulated strictures or with tumours located in the cervical oesophagus near the upper sphincter.

Self-expandable metallic stent placement for patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma: investigation of the influence of prior radiotherapy and chemotherapy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of self-expandable metallic stent placement for patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma after radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We obtained data from 19 patients with advanced or recurrent esophageal carcinoma between 1996 and 2000. In all patients, a self-expandable metallic stent was placed under fluoroscopic guidance. Dysphagia before and after stent placement was graded. Complications after stent placement were also evaluated. Data were compared between patients with and without prior radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.

RESULTS

The procedure was technically successful in all but one patient. The dysphagia grade improved in all patients. No life-threatening complications occurred. The other major complications such as mediastinitis occurred in two patients, and pneumonia and funnel phenomenon occurred in one patient each. These patients had a history of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy prior to stent placement. Eight of the twelve patients with prior radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy compared with one of seven patients without prior therapy had persistent chest pain, which was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Placement of self-expandable metallic stents was effective for patients with advanced or recurrent esophageal carcinoma. However, prior irradiation and/or chemotherapy increased the risk of persistent chest pain after stent placement.

Neoplasia avançada de esôfago: diagnóstico ainda muito tardio

RACIONAL: A neoplasia de esôfago está entre as 10 mais incidentes no Brasil. O diagnóstico é geralmente tardio e a sobrevida média é de 4 a 6 meses, independente da terapêutica. O alívio da disfagia e a melhora da qualidade de vida são os objetivos principais da terapêutica paliativa. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida e a paliação da disfagia obtida com diferentes tipos de tratamento oferecidos aos pacientes com neoplasia avançada de esôfago. PACIENTES E MÉTODO: Avaliação prospectiva de 38 pacientes com neoplasia avançada de esôfago, com disfagia, sem possibilidade de tratamento curativo, entre setembro de 2001 a junho de 2005. Os pacientes foram alocados aleatoriamente, de acordo com a disponibilidade da terapia ou preferência do paciente ou do médico responsável, sendo 14 tratados com colocação de prótese (9 metálicas auto-expansíveis, 4 plásticas e 1 plástica auto-expansível), 4 com cirurgia paliativa, 8 com gastrostomia (7 cirúrgicas e 1 endoscópica) e 12 com sonda nasoenteral. RESULTADOS: Houve melhora do índice médio de disfagia em 30 dias em todos os grupos, exceto no da gastrostomia. A colocação da prótese de esôfago melhorou a disfagia de forma estatisticamente significante em relação às outras terapias paliativas. A qualidade de vida avaliada pela mediana do índice de Karnofsky não apresentou melhora em nenhum grupo de pacientes. O número de internações necessárias não foi diferente entre os grupos. A duração média das internações foi maior no grupo de tratamento cirúrgico (42 dias), embora sem diferença significativa. Não houve diferença na sobrevida média dos pacientes, independente do tipo de tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: A paliação ideal para todos os casos não existe. O método deve ser individualizado para cada paciente. O tratamento cirúrgico paliativo é o mais oneroso, devido ao prolongado tempo médio de internação desses pacientes. Infelizmente, o diagnóstico de tumor de esôfago em nosso meio ainda é muito tardio, limitando o benefício que poderia advir dos métodos de ponta de paliação endoscópica.

New developments in palliative therapy

Over the past 5 years, new developments in the palliative treatment of incurable cancer of the oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction have been introduced with the aim of palliating dysphagia and improving the survival of patients. Stent placement is currently the most widely used treatment for palliation of dysphagia from oesophageal cancer. A stent offers rapid relief of dysphagia; however, current recurrent dysphagia rates vary between 30 and 40%. Recently introduced new stent designs are likely to reduce recurrent dysphagia by decreasing stent migration and non-tumoral tissue overgrowth. Intraluminal radiotherapy (brachytherapy) has been demonstrated to compare favourably with stent placement in long-term effectiveness and safety. A disadvantage of brachytherapy, however, is that one-fifth of patients need an additional treatment because of persistent tumour growth in the oesophagus. A solution may be to administer brachytherapy not in a single fraction but in multiple fractions. Finally, efforts have been undertaken to improve survival of patients by using chemotherapy. In the future, a multimodal approach--for example by combining stent placement with chemotherapy or radiotherapy--may improve the prognosis of patients without jeopardizing their quality of life.

Palliative therapy

There are a wide variety of palliative treatments for esophageal cancer. The aim of most treatments is to maintain oral food intake, which should stabilize or even improve quality of life. Stent placement is currently the most widely used treatment modality for palliation of dysphagia from esophageal cancer. Stent placement offers a rapid relief of dysphagia, however, the rate of complications (late hemorrhage) and recurrent dysphagia (stent migration, tumor overgrowth) is relatively high. The scientific evidence to advocate the use of anti-reflux stents for the prevention of gastro-esophageal reflux is currently too low. Photodynamic therapy is mostly used in North America; however, due to the high costs of the treatment, the long-lasting side effects and the necessity of repeated treatments, it is not an ideal treatment for palliation of malignant dysphagia. Nd:YAG laser is a relatively effective and safe treatment modality, although laser treatment is also expensive, technically difficult and requiring repeated treatment sessions at 4-6 weeks intervals. Single dose brachytherapy compares favorably to stent placement in long-term effectiveness and safety. Effective treatment strategies are probably 12 Gy given in one fraction or 16 Gy given in two fractions. Palliative chemotherapy offers response rates in recent trials (including partial and complete responses) ranging from 35% to 50%. Whether palliative chemotherapy also results in a survival benefit is not established yet. For clinical trials on palliation of esophageal cancer, the measurement of quality of life is an important outcome measure. The cancer-specific EORTC QLQ-C30 and the esophageal cancer-specific EORTC-OES-18 are validated measures for establishing quality of life status. For the future, a multimodality approach with stent placement or brachytherapy in combination with chemotherapy may be indicated.

Health economic evaluation of stent or endoluminal brachytherapy as a palliative strategy in patients with incurable cancer of the oesophagus or gastro-oesophageal junction: results of a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To relieve dysphagia is the main goal in palliative treatment of patients with incurable cancer of the oesophagus or the gastro-oesophageal junction. The aim of this prospective, randomized multicentre study was to compare stent placement and brachytherapy regarding health economy and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with incurable cancer of the oesophagus or gastro-oesophageal junction were randomized to receive a self-expandable metallic stent or 3 x 7 Gy brachytherapy. At clinical follow-up visits, dysphagia was scored and health care consumptions were recorded. Costs were based on hospital debits. Total lifetime healthcare consumption costs and costs for the initial treatments were calculated and a sensitivity analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were randomized to each treatment group. There was no difference in survival or complication rates between the two treatment strategies. There was a significant difference in the change of dysphagia scores between the time of inclusion and the 1-month follow-up visit, in favour of the stented group (P = 0.03). This difference had disappeared at 3 months. Median total lifetime costs were 17,690 for the stented group compared with 33 171 for the brachytherapy group (P = 0.005). This difference was due to higher costs for the initial treatment (4615 versus 23 857, P < 0.0001). Sensitivity analyses showed that the charges for a brachytherapy session had to be reduced from 6092 to 4222 (31%) to make this therapeutic concept cost-competitive.

CONCLUSION

Stenting is currently more cost-effective compared with fractionated 3 x 7 Gy brachytherapy for patients with incurable cancer of the oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction.

Palliative gastroenterology

Continuous improvements in endoscopic imaging and accessories have opened up a field of interventional endoscopy. This highly technical offshoot of gastroenterology uses not just standard endoscopic techniques but also newer endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging or fluoroscopic monitoring to facilitate procedures that were once performed either surgically or percutaneously, if at all. This review will update the role of these novel procedures that can be used to assist in the palliative care of patients whose malignancies involve the gastrointestinal tract. The emphasis will be on those palliative interventions that are used to overcome intestinal obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract and restore luminal patency. The role of EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis to assist in pain control, especially in patients with pancreatic malignancies, will also be detailed.

Clinical application of metallic stents in treatment of esophageal carcinoma

AIM: To evaluate the effects of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) in patients with malignant esophageal obstruction and to analyze their prognosis and complications.

METHODS: Seventy-four metallic stents were placed under fluoroscopic guidance in 66 patients with esophageal obstruction secondary to carcinoma, of whom, 6 cases were complicated by fistula.

RESULTS: After seventy-two stents were successfully used in 66 cases without any severe complications (technical successful rate was 97%), the dysphagia score improved from 3.3±0.6 to 0.8±0.5 (P<0.01), and life quality improved significantly in all these patients. All fistulae were sealed immediately after coated stents were inserted in the six patients. New stents were placed in two patients: the stent migrated more than 2 cm, in one patient and the stent slipped into stomach in the other. Minor bleeding was found only in 28 patients during the operation. Reobstruction was found in 12 patients, but was successfully cured under endoscopy. The survival rate was 78%, 57% and 11% for 6 mo, 1 year and 2 years respectively.

CONCLUSION: Placement of SEMS is a simple, safe, quick and efficient surgical method for treating esophageal carcinoma obstruction. It may be used mainly as a palliative treatment of esophageal obstruction secondary to carcinoma.

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Management of Tracheoesophageal Fistulas in Adults

The approach to treatment of adult patients with tracheoesophageal fistulas depends on whether the fistula is congenital or acquired in origin. Most adults have acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas, and treatment depends on whether the fistula is a result of a benign process or a malignancy, with the latter usually primary esophageal cancer. For patients with benign tracheoesophageal fistulas, treatment is almost always initially supportive followed by definitive surgical correction. In general, depending on the size and location of the tracheal aspect of the fistula, surgical therapy involves primary repair of the fistula and, if necessary, resection and reconstruction of the trachea. For patients with malignant tracheoesophageal fistulas, treatment depends on whether the patient is resectable and/or medically fit for surgical therapy. However, most patients with malignant trach-eoesophageal fistulas have advanced disease and can only be treated with palliative measures. The current standard of palliative therapy for patients with malignant tracheoesophageal fistulas is the endoscopic or radiologic placement of covered self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS), which allow closure of the fistula. All three types of commercially available covered SEMS have been used in this capacity with success. Other, less common treatment options for selected patients with malignant tracheoesophageal fistulas include chemotherapy and radiation, surgical bypass, esophageal exclusion, and fistula resection and repair.

Comparative retrospective study on the use of plastic prostheses and self-expanding metal stents in the palliative treatment of malignant strictures of the esophagus and cardia

Palliative treatment of malignant strictures of the esophagus and cardia is usually carried out by the endoscopic placement of a prosthesis. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes of the use of expandable stents, compared with conventional plastic prostheses. One hundred and thirteen endoscopic intubations were carried out in 120 patients affected by malignant stenosis of the esophagus and cardia using plastic prosthesis and self-expanding metal stents. Dysphagia was scored according to Atkinson and Ferguson's classification and the preoperative median score (3.6) was comparable in both groups. The technical success rate was 94.4% with plastic prosthesis and 93.7% with self-expanding metal stent while the functional success rate was, respectively, 85.2% and 88.8%. Three deaths occurred with plastic prostheses (4.4%), while no deaths were observed with metal stents. A comparative analysis of the results of this study suggests that the endoscopic placement of self-expanding metal stents is effective and safe and has to be preferred to the conventional plastic prosthesis for easier implantation and lower morbidity.

Use of large-diameter metallic stents to seal traumatic nonmalignant perforations of the esophagus

BACKGROUND

Surgery for traumatic, non-malignant perforation of the esophagus in patients presenting more than 24 hours after its occurrence carries a high morbidity and mortality. Covered metallic stents have been used to effectively seal perforations in individual patients with Boerhaave's syndrome.

METHODS

Eleven consecutive patients presented with esophageal perforation that was caused by Boerhaave's syndrome (n = 5), resection of an epiphrenic diverticulum (n = 2), rigid esophagoscopy (n = 2), extended gastric resection (n = 1), or pneumatic dilation for achalasia (n = 1). A large diameter Flamingo Wallstent (proximal/distal diameters, 30/20 mm) (7 patients) or a large diameter Ultraflex stent (proximal/distal diameters, 28/23 mm) (4 patients) was placed. Pleural cavities were drained with thoracostomy drains, and antibiotics were administered.

RESULTS

The median time from perforation to stent insertion was 60 hours (range, 24 hours to 28 days). The perforation was totally sealed in 10 of 11 patients. Two patients underwent esophageal resection because of incomplete sealing of the perforation or incomplete drainage of the pleural cavity and mediastinum. The other 9 patients recovered uneventfully and resumed a normal diet within 7 to 18 days. In 7 patients, the stents were retrieved endoscopically after a median of 7 weeks (range, 6 to 14 weeks), whereas two patients refused to have the stent retrieved (in one, the stent migrated into the stomach; the other patient died 6 months after stent placement from an unrelated cause).

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic perforation of the esophagus can be treated successfully with large diameter metallic stents, together with adequate drainage of the thoracic cavity.

Stenting in esophageal strictures

The interventional management of esophageal strictures remains, to date, an important clinical challenge. Stenting is probably the best palliation modality in patients with incurable esophagogastric carcinoma. Conversely, the use of esophageal stents is still relatively uncommon for the treatment of refractory benign strictures. In the last few years, several new stents have become available as a result of significant advances that have been made in terms of design and materials. This review focuses on the endoscopic use of esophageal stents in malignant and benign esophageal strictures, revisiting the different types of expandable stents presently available, the techniques, the results, and the complications of stent insertion and giving some practical advices. Future developments in the field of esophageal stenting are also discussed.