A case series of inferior vena cava stenting for lower limb oedema in palliative care

A dual realist review: Compression for leg swelling at the end of life has potential quality of life benefit

AIMS

To examine the evidence for the use of compression in the general population and determine how far it can be used to inform treatment at the end of life.

DESIGN

In advanced illness, some patients suffer lower limb swelling and its resulting problems. In the general population, compression is used to treat lower limb swelling, but little is known about its use at the end of life. This review is designed to deeply explore the available evidence and identify what is known and areas for further research.

DATA SOURCES

Five databases were searched; CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, AMED and Cochrane, in November 2021. Reference lists for included studies were hand-searched. A web search was carried out.

REVIEW METHODS

Two parallel realist reviews were performed. The first reviewed the use of compression in the general population. The second explored lower limb swelling at the end of life. Findings were screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria, quality assessed and qualitative and quantitative data extracted.

RESULTS

The initial searches returned 1179 articles in review one and 839 articles in review two. Following the screening, 10 articles remained in each review for analysis. A programme theory was drawn for each review. The theories had sufficient similarities to allow evidence from the general population to be used to make recommendations for those at the end of life.

IMPACT

People with advanced illness and leg swelling suffer physically and psychologically. Compression delivers a reduction in swelling and quality of life benefit in the general population. This study found people with advanced illness may experience the same benefits. A cautious approach should be taken and stockings or adjustable Velcro compression devices (AVCDs) are likely to be the best starter interventions. Existing guidelines should also be consulted. Further research to develop the right intervention in this group is needed.

Technical and Anatomic Factors Influencing the Success of Inferior Vena Caval Stent Placement for Malignant Obstruction

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of inferior vena cava (IVC) stent placement for malignant obstruction and to identify anatomic and procedural factors influencing technical and clinical success.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 57 patients (37 male, 20 female; age range, 22-86 y) underwent 62 IVC stent placement procedures using 97 stents (47 Wallstents, 15 S.M.A.R.T. stents, 18 Wallflex stents, 17 others) from 2005 to 2016 for malignant IVC obstruction caused by hepatic metastases (n = 22; 39%), primary hepatic malignancy (n = 16; 28%), retroperitoneal metastases (n = 16; 28%), or other primary malignancy (n = 5; 9%). Presenting symptoms included lower-extremity edema (n = 54; 95%), ascites (n = 28; 50%), and perineal edema (n = 14; 25%). Sixteen percent (n = 10) and 10% (n = 6) of the procedures involved tumor and bland thrombus, respectively.

RESULTS

Stent placements resulted in 100% venographic patency and significantly decreased pressure gradients (P < .0001). Lower-extremity swelling, perineal swelling, and abdominal distension improved within 7 days in 83% (35 of 42), 100% (9 of 9), and 40% (6 of 15) of patients, respectively, and at 30 days after the procedure in 86% (25 of 29), 89% (8 of 9), and 80% (4 of 5) of patients, respectively. Increased pre- and post-stent placement pressure gradients were associated with worse outcomes. A 4% stent misplacement rate (4 of 97) was related to the use of Wallstents with caudal stent tapering, asymmetric deployment superior to the obstruction, suprahepatic IVC involvement, and decreased stent adherence to the IVC wall as a result of local mechanical factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Stent placement is reliable, rapid, and durable in improving malignant IVC syndrome. Understanding of technical and anatomic factors can improve accuracy and avoid complications of stent misplacement.

Stent implantation across the ostia of the renal veins does not necessarily cause renal impairment when treating inferior vena cava occlusion

The effect of inferior vena cava (IVC) stents crossing the ostia of the renal veins on renal function has not been reported. The purpose of this study is to report a single-institution experience with four cases of IVC stent implantation for malignant compression and/or invasion of the IVC causing severe lower-extremity edema. The patients' symptoms were successfully relieved, and follow-up imaging and serum creatinine measurements for the remainder of their lives revealed no evidence of renal impairment or renal vein thrombosis.