Percutaneous needle decompression in treatment of malignant small bowel obstruction

Management of primary and metastatic malignant small bowel obstruction, operate or palliate. A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The management of patients presenting with malignant small bowel obstruction is a challenging paradigm. The aim of this systematic review was to examine different management strategies in these complex patients. The primary outcomes evaluated were the type of intervention, 30-day morbidity and mortality and overall survival rates.

METHODS

A systematic literature review of EMBase, Medline, PubMed and the Cochrane Library was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses for studies reporting on conservative and operative management of malignant small bowel obstruction.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (n = 882 patients) reporting on outcomes for malignant small bowel obstruction were analysed. Outcomes measured were primarily survival and relief of obstructive symptoms. The median age ranged from 52 to 66 years. The most common cause of malignant small bowel obstruction was gynaecological in nature (56%), followed by colorectal (19%). Four hundred and eighty-six patients underwent primary surgical management and the remaining 396 patients were assigned to non-surgical intervention. Median overall survival in the operative studies ranged from 2.5 to 7.4 months compared with 0.9 to 1.9 months (P < 0.05). The 30-day mortality ranged from 13% to 28% in those who underwent surgical interventions versus 2% to 61% in the non-surgical group (P = 0.09). No significant difference in median survival in gastrointestinal (GI) and gynaecological malignancies was observed (4.3 versus 5.0 months, P = 0.12). Morbidity ranged from 21% to 85% in the surgical group and 12% to 29% in the percutaneous groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Surgical intervention in malignant small bowel obstruction is associated with significant morbidity, although it may improve survival in selected patients with gynaecological and colorectal malignancy. It is imperative that realistic goals and expectations are discussed with patients preoperatively.

Cervical Esophago-Gastric Tubes for Patients with Malignant Ascites

Patients with chronic small bowel obstruction and malignant ascites from diffuse peritoneal carcinomatosis have limited options for gastrointestinal decompression as part of end-of-life palliation. Insertion of a percutaneous gastrostomy tube is relatively contraindicated in patients with ascites. Alternatively, nasogastric tube placement often leads to significant discomfort to patients and necessitates hospitalization during their last days of life. Here, we demonstrate how placing a percutaneous cervical esophago-gastric tube can allow adequate gastrointestinal decompression for terminal patients with malignant small bowel obstruction. This palliative measure allows them to remain in the comfort of their own homes after the procedure.