A Novel Partially Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Stent with Proximal Flare in Patients with Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Comparison of novel large-bore and conventional-bore covered self-expandable metal stents for malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Multicenter, retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

Covered self-expandable metal stent (cSEMS) for gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) has been developed to overcome tumor ingrowth but is prone to be associated with an increased risk of migration. Clinical impact of the novel large-bore cSEMS for malignant GOO remains unclear.

METHODS

A total of 117 patients undergoing endoscopic cSEMS placement for malignant GOO were enrolled in this multicenter retrospective study. Technical and clinical success, adverse events, recurrent GOO, and survival after stent placement were compared between 24 mm-cSEMS (n = 49) and 20 mm-cSEMS (n = 68).

RESULTS

Patient characteristics were well-balanced and thus similar survival was observed between the two groups (136 days vs. 89 days, P = 0.60). Technical success rate of 100% and clinical success rate of 96% were achieved both in 24 mm-cSEMS and 20 mm-cSEMS, respectively. The median cumulative time to recurrent GOO was significantly longer in 24 mm-cSEMS than in 20 mm-cSEMS (380 days vs. 138 days, P = 0.01). The incidence of adverse events and recurrent GOO was comparable: 12% vs. 15% (P = 0.91), and 16% vs. 31% (P = 0.11); however, no stent migration was observed in 24 mm-cSEMS. In a subgroup analysis, the superiority of 24 mm-cSEMS to 20 mm-cSEMS was demonstrated in extrinsic cancers (380 days vs. 121 days, P = 0.01) but not in intrinsic cancers (151 days vs. not reached, P = 0.47).

CONCLUSIONS

The 24 mm-cSEMS may improve time to recurrent GOO with ensuring acceptable safety in patients with malignant GOO.

Outcomes after partially covered self-expandable metal stent placement for recurrent duodenal obstruction

BACKGROUND

Outcomes of partially covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) as an additional stent after recurrent duodenal obstruction (RDO) have not been elucidated. In this study, we compared outcomes of partially covered and uncovered SEMS placement after RDO in patients with malignant duodenal obstruction and explored factors affecting re-recurrent obstruction and overall survival in this population.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients undergoing SEMS placement for RDO at a cancer institute in Japan from July 2014 to June 2021. Clinical variables and outcomes of patients undergoing partially covered and uncovered SEMS placement were compared.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients underwent SEMS placement after RDO, for which the COMVI stent was used in 38 cases and uncovered stents were used in 23 cases. Stent ingrowth was the most common cause of RDO (51.4%). Stent migration only occurred after partially covered stent placement (20% vs. 0%, p = 0.018). Choice of SEMS had no impact on time to re-RDO (median 2.8 vs. 4.1 months, p = 0.776) or overall survival (median 2.6 vs. 2.4 months, p = 0.703). Median overall survival was longer in patients receiving chemotherapy after second stenting (4.6 vs. 1.8 months, p < 0.001) and shorter in those with early RDO, regardless of the SEMS used. Use of the partially covered stent had no impact on survival or time to RDO.

CONCLUSIONS

While outcomes after partially covered SEMS placement for RDO were not significantly different from uncovered SEMS, migration remains a concern when they are used as a second stent. Chemotherapy after second stenting was associated with longer overall survival but not with longer time to re-RDO.

Self-expandable duodenal metal stent placement for the palliation of gastric outlet obstruction over the past 20 years

INTRODUCTION

Duodenal stent placement is a palliative option for management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). In the last 20 years, management of gastrointestinal cancers has considerably changed. It is unknown if these changes have affected clinical outcome of duodenal stent placement.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary referral center. Patients who underwent duodenal stent placement for GOO-symptoms due to a malignant stricture were included. Primary outcome was GOO-symptom free survival. Secondary outcomes included stent-related adverse event rates. Potential explanatory parameters such as period of stent placement (1998-2009 vs 2010-2019), prior treatments, peritoneal deposits, and stricture length were evaluated using multivariable Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 147 patients (62 % male; median age 64 years) were included. After a median of 28 days after stent placement, 82 patients (57 %) had recurrent GOO-symptoms. GOO-symptom free survival was significantly lower in 2010-2019 (P < 0.01). Time period was the only independent predictor for reduced GOO-symptom free survival (HR 1.76, P < 0.01). Stent-related adverse event rates increased over time (1998-2009: 31 % vs 2010-2019: 37 %). Prior treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy was significantly associated with an increased risk of adverse events (OR 2.53, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical outcome of duodenal stent placement did not improve over time. The decreased GOO-symptom free survival and increased adverse event rate in more recent years are probably related to the chemo- and/or radiotherapy treatment provided prior to duodenal stent placement.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic duodenal stent versus endoscopic or surgical gastrojejunostomy to treat malignant gastric outlet obstruction: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims  Malignant disease accounts for up to 80 % of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) cases, which may be treated with duodenal self-expanding metal stents (SEMS), surgical gastrojejunostomy (GJ), and more recently endoscopic-ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE). These three treatments have not been compared head-to-head in a randomized trial. Methods  We searched the Embase and MEDLINE databases for studies published January 2015-February 2021 assessing treatment of malignant GOO using duodenal SEMS, endoscopic (EUS-GE) or surgical (laparoscopic or open) GJ. Efficacy outcomes assessed included technical and clinical success rates, GOO recurrence and reintervention. Safety outcomes included procedure-related bleeding or perforation, and stent-related events for the duodenal SEMS and EUS-GE arms. Results  EUS-GE had a lower rate of technical success (95.3%) than duodenal SEMS (99.4 %) or surgical GJ (99.9%) ( P  = 0.0048). For duodenal SEMS vs. EUS-GE vs. surgical GJ, rates of clinical success (88.9 % vs. 89.0 % vs. 92.3 % respectively, P  = 0.49) were similar. EUS-GE had a lower rate of GOO recurrence based on limited data ( P  = 0.0036), while duodenal SEMS had a higher rate of reintervention ( P  = 0.041). Overall procedural complications were similar (duodenal SEMS 18.7 % vs. EUS-GE 21.9 % vs. surgical GJ 23.8 %, P  = 0.32), but estimated bleeding rate was lowest ( P  = 0.0048) and stent occlusion rate was highest ( P  = 0.0002) for duodenal SEMS. Conclusions  Duodenal SEMS, EUS-GE, and surgical GJ showed similar clinical efficacy for the treatment of malignant GOO. Duodenal SEMS had a lower procedure-related bleeding rate but higher rate of reintervention.

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

Migration of duodenal covered self-expandable metal stents (C-SEMSs) is the main cause of stent dysfunction in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO). Because endoscopic SEMS placement is frequently selected in patients with poor performance status, we concurrently focused on the safety of the treatment. This pilot study included 15 consecutive patients with mGOO who underwent duodenal partially covered SEMS (PC-SEMS) placement with fixation using an over-the-scope-clip (OTSC). Technical feasibility, clinical success for oral intake estimated by the Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System (GOOSS) score, and adverse events including stent migration were retrospectively assessed. All procedures were successful, and clinical success was achieved in 86.7% (13/15). Mean GOOSS scores were improved from 0.07 to 2.53 after the procedure (P < 0.001). Median survival time was 84 days, and all patients were followed up until death. Stent migration occurred in one case (6.7%) at day 17, which was successfully treated by removal of the migrated PC-SEMS using an enteroscope. For fixation using an OTSC, additional time required for the procedure was 8.9 ± 4.1 min and we did not observe OTSC-associated adverse events. Poor performance status was associated with clinical success (P = 0.03), but we could provide the treatment safely and reduce mGOO symptoms even in patients with poor performance status. In conclusion, duodenal PC-SEMS fixation using an OTSC is feasible for preventing stent migration in patients with mGOO including those with poor performance status.

Endoscopic placement of covered versus uncovered self-expandable metal stents for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction

OBJECTIVE

Stenting is an established endoscopic therapy for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO). The choice of stent (covered vs uncovered) has been examined in prior randomised studies without clear results.

DESIGN

In a multicentre randomised prospective study, we compared covered (CSEMS) with uncovered self-expandable metal stents (UCSEMS) in patients with mGOO; main outcomes were stent dysfunction and patient survival, with subgroup analyses of patients with extrinsic and intrinsic tumours.

RESULTS

Overall survival was poor with no difference between groups (probability at 3 months 49.7% for covered vs 48.4% for uncovered stents; log-rank for overall survival p=0.26). Within that setting of short survival, the proportion of stent dysfunction was significantly higher for uncovered stents (35.2% vs 23.4%, p=0.01) with significantly shorter time to stent dysfunction. This was mainly relevant for patients with extrinsic tumours (stent dysfunction rates for uncovered stents 35.6% vs 17.5%, p<0.01). Subgrouping was also relevant with respect to tumour ingrowth (lower with covered stents for intrinsic tumours; 1.6% vs 27.7%, p<0.01) and stent migration (higher with covered stents for extrinsic tumours: 15.3% vs 2.5%, p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to poor patient survival, minor differences between covered and uncovered stents may be less relevant even if statistically significant; however, subgroup analysis would suggest to use covered stents for intrinsic and uncovered stents for extrinsic malignancies.

Palliative Surgery or Metallic Stent Positioning for Advanced Gastric Cancer: Differences in QOL

Background and Objectives: Twenty percent of the patients affected with stage IV antropyloric stomach cancer are hospitalized with a gastric outlet obstruction syndrome (GOOS) requiring its resolution to improve the quality of life (QoL). We present our preliminary short- and mid-term results regarding the influence of endoscopic placement of self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) or open stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy in QoL. Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized longitudinal cohort trial, we randomly assigned 27 patients affected with stage IV antropyloric stomach cancer into two groups: Group 1 (13 patients) who underwent SEMS positioning and Group 2 (14 patients) in whom open stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy was performed. The Karnofsky performance scale and QoL assessment using the EQ-5D-5L™ questionnaire was administered before treatment and thereafter at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: At 1-month, index values showed a statistically significant deterioration of the QoL in patients of Group 2 when compared to those of Group 1 (p = 0.004; CI: 0.04 to 0.21). No differences among the groups were recorded at 3-month; whereas, at 6-month, the index values showed a statistically significant deterioration of the QoL in patients of Group 1 (p = 0.009; CI: −0.25 to −0.043). Conclusions: Early QoL of patients affected with stage IV antropyloric cancer and symptoms of GOOS is significantly better in patients treated with SEMS positioning but at 6-month the QoL significantly decrease in this group of patients. We explained the reasons of this fluctuation with the higher risk of re-hospital admission in the SEMS group.

Feasibility and safety of duodenal covered self-expandable metallic stent fixation: an experimental study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Migration of duodenal covered self-expandable metallic stents (C-SEMS) is the main cause of stent dysfunction in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction. However, the ideal method to prevent migration has not been clarified. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of duodenal C-SEMS fixation in this experimental study.

METHODS

We used the over-the-scope clip (OTSC), suture, and clip methods to fix duodenal C-SEMS and evaluated the gripping force of each device and invasion depth based on pathological findings.

RESULTS

The OTSC and suturing systems had a significantly higher mean gripping force compared with the clipping system (OTSC vs. clip: 13.2 vs. 1.0 Newtons [N], P < 0.001; suture vs. clip: 8.5 vs. 1.0 N, P < 0.001). OTSC compression was stronger compared with suturing (OTSC vs. suture: 13.2 vs. 8.5 N, P = 0.006). The submucosal layer, but not the muscle layer, was compressed more widely and deeply by OTSC compared with clips based on pathological findings by hematoxylin and eosin staining.

CONCLUSION

Both OTSC and suturing methods used for duodenal C-SEMS fixation were feasible compared with the clipping method. The pathological evaluation of invasion depth indicated that OTSC may be safe even for preventive use. This study suggested that these methods can be applied clinically for duodenal C-SEMS fixation.

Comparison on the Efficacy between Partially Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stent with Funnel-Shaped Enlarged Head versus Uncovered Self-Expandable Metal Stent for Palliation of Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Background

Shape modification has been one of the methods adopted to improve stent patency but has not always translated into positive outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of shape-modified partially covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) that has enlarged head versus uncovered SEMS for palliation of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO).

Methods

A total of 48 patients underwent insertion of either enlarged-head SEMS (n = 24) or uncovered SEMS (uSEMS) (n = 24) for palliation of GOO from July 2009 to July 2016. Patients with inoperable or advanced malignancy were included. Technical feasibility and clinical outcomes were compared.

Results

Technical success rate was 100% (24/24) and 95.8% (23/24) for enlarged-head SEMS group and uSEMS group, respectively. Clinical success rate was 87.5% (21/24) and 87.0% (20/23) for enlarged-head SEMS group and uSEMS group, respectively. The gastric outlet obstruction scoring system score significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.001 for both). Mean survival was similar between the groups: enlarged-head SEMS group, 99.3 days (range, 19–358 days) versus uSEMS group, 82.1 days (range, 11–231 days) (p = 0.418). The mean stent patency also showed no difference between the groups: enlarged-head SEMS group, 87.1 days (range, 8–358 days) versus uSEMS group, 60.4 days (range, 2–231 days) (p = 0.204). With enlarged-head SEMS, distal migration did not occur, but proximal migration was observed in four cases.

Conclusions

Distal migration was prevented by shaping the SEMS to have an enlarged head, but improvement in stent patency could not be observed.