Endoscopic Self-expandable Metal Stent Placement Research Articles

Second Covered and Uncovered Self-Expandable Metal Stents for Recurrent Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

Background: Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement is a current mainstay for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), but symptomatic recurrence due to initial SEMS dysfunction commonly occurs. We aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of second SEMS for recurrent GOO (RGOO). Methods: Between April 2006 and December 2022, a total of 95 cases with malignant RGOO undergoing second endoscopic SEMS placement were enrolled. Technical and clinical success rates, RGOO, time to RGOO (TRGOO), stent patency rate, adverse events (AE), and overall survival (OS) were retrospectively compared between covered and uncovered SEMS (cSEMS/uSEMS) groups. Risk factors for TRGOO were also explored. Results: Baseline characteristics were well balanced between cSEMS (n = 48) and uSEMS (n = 47) groups, except for the causes of the initial SEMS dysfunction. High technical and clinical success rates with a similar incidence of AE (15% vs. 17%, p = 0.78) and OS (median of 101 vs. 102 days, p = 0.68) were achieved in both groups. There were no statistical differences in cumulative incidence of RGOO (19% vs. 13%, p = 0.58), TRGOO (median, not reached in both groups, p = 0.57), and stent patency rates at 1, 2, and 3 months between the groups (60%, 47% and 26%, respectively vs. 70%, 55% and 38%, respectively). However, TRGOO tended to be longer in cSEMS in cases with RGOO due to tumor ingrowth (median, not reached vs. 111 days, p = 0.19). A Cox regression analysis demonstrated that chemotherapy after second SEMS placement was significantly associated with an improved TRGOO (the hazard ratio of 0.27 [95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.93], p = 0.03). Conclusions: Regardless of the type of SEMS, second SEMS placement was similarly safe and effective for RGOO. The type of second SEMS might be considered based on the cause of initial SEMS dysfunction.

Endoscopic Transluminal Stent Placement for Malignant Afferent Loop Obstruction

Malignant afferent loop obstruction (ALO) is rare condition and is difficult to manage. Endoscopic transluminal treatment has become easier with the advent of balloon-assisted enteroscopes with a large working channels and self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) with a 9 Fr delivery system. From July 2016 to March 2022, 22 patients with symptomatic malignant ALO who underwent endoscopic transluminal treatment (Initial cohort), of which 18 patients received endoscopic transluminal SEMS placement (SEMS cohort), were retrospectively evaluated. We evaluated outcomes of endoscopic transluminal treatment and long-term outcomes of SEMS placement for malignant ALO. In the Initial cohort, technical and clinical success rates were both 95.5%. The median procedural time was 28.0 min. One case of guidewire-induced micro-perforation occurred as an early complication (4.5%). In the SEMS cohort, and no early complication was observed. Recurrent obstruction occurred in two cases (11.1%) during the follow-up period (median: 102 days). One was managed by additional SEMS placement and the other was treated conservatively. High technical and clinical success was achieved by endoscopic transluminal treatment with short procedural time for malignant ALO. Endoscopic SEMS placement also appears to be safe and effective, and additional SEMS placement can be considered in cases of re-obstruction.

Bridge to surgery using a self-expandable metallic stent for stages II\u2013III obstructive colorectal cancer

BackgroundBridge to surgery (BTS) using a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) for the treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer improves the patient’s quality of life. This study aimed to examine prognostic factors of obstructive colorectal cancer.MethodsWe analyzed stage II-III resectable colon cancer cases (Cur A) retrospectively registered between January 2005 and December 2017. Overall, 117 patients with Cur A obstructive colorectal cancer were evaluated: 67 of them underwent emergency surgery (ES Group) and 50 of them after BTS with SEMS placement (BTS group). We compared surgical results and prognoses between the two groups.ResultsA total of 50 patients underwent endoscopic SEMS placement, which technical success of 96% and morbidity rate of 18%. Primary anastomosis rates were 77.6% in ES and 95.7% in BTS (p < 0.001); postoperative complication, 46.3% in ES and 10.5% in BTS (p < 0.001); pathological findings of lymphatic invasion, 66.7% in ES and 100% in BTS (p < 0.001); venous invasion were 66.8% in ES and 92% in BTS (p = 0.04); and recurrence of 25.4% in ES and 39.1% in BTS. The 3-year overall survival was significantly different between two groups (ES, 86.8%:BTS, 58.8%), BTS is worse than ES (log-rank test; p < 0.001). Venous invasion independently predicted worsened recurrence-free and overall survival.ConclusionsThe vascular invasiveness was correlated with tumor progression after SEMS placement, and the survival rate was lower in BTS. SEMS potentially worsens prognostic outcomes in stage II–III obstructive colorectal cancer.

Clinical Feasibility and Safety of Endoscopic Self-Expandable Metal Stent Placement for Upper Gastrointestinal Pathologies

We aimed to review our experiences to evaluate the practicality, safety, and effectiveness of endoscopic stent placement for the palliation of malignant obstructions of the upper gastrointestinal system (GIS) and the treatment of postoperative complications such as failure of anastomoses and fistulae. Endoscopic stent placement is increasingly used in the upper GIS for the management of both high grade malignancies causing obstruction and benign pathologies such as anastomosis failures, gastrointestinal fistulae, and strictures. Hospital records, clinical data, and endoscopy reports of 61 patients who had undergone endoscopic stenting between the years 2012 and 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. For all patients, self-expandable metal covered stents were used. Data involving technical and clinical success rates, complication, morbidity, and mortality rates of the endoscopic stenting procedure was collected and simple statistical analyses were made. Endoscopic stenting was successful in 60 of 61 patients (98.3%). Overall technical success rate was found to be 98.3%; clinical success rate, 86.6%; complication rate, 4.9%. No stent related mortality was observed in our series. Endoscopic stents can be effectively and safely used in the treatment of various lesions of the upper GIS.

Fluoroscopic Gastroduodenal Stent Placement in 55 Patients with Endoscopic Stent Placement Failure.

To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical effectiveness of fluoroscopic self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement in malignant gastroduodenal obstructions after failed endoscopic SEMS placement. Between September 2010 and July 2017, 874 patients underwent endoscopic SEMS placement for dysphagia caused by malignant gastroduodenal obstructions. Endoscopic SEMS placement failed in 55 of 874 patients (6.3%). These patients were referred for fluoroscopic SEMS placement. In case of failed fluoroscopic SEMS placement, combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic SEMS placement was attempted at the same setting. Fluoroscopic SEMS placement was technically successful in 40 of 55 patients (72.7%). Combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic SEMS placement was technically successful in 6 of 15 patients with fluoroscopic SEMS placement failure. Failures in the nine patients were due to complete obstruction (n = 5) and acute angulation at the stricture site (n = 4). The overall technical success rate was 83.6% (46/55). Clinical success was achieved in 95.6% of patients (44/46). Complications occurred in 7 of 46 patients (15.2%), including tumor overgrowth (n = 3), SEMS migration (n = 3), and bleeding (n = 1). The median SEMS patency and patient survival periods were 515 (95% confidence interval (CI), 266.6-761.5) and 83 (95% CI 60.6-105.4) days, respectively. Fluoroscopic SEMS placement is technically feasible and clinically effective in cases of endoscopic SEMS placement failure. A combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic approach increases the technical success rate after failure of the endoscopic or fluoroscopic approach. Level IV.

Elective Surgery After Endoscopic Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Placement for Patients With Obstructive Colon Cancer: Preoperative Systemic Evaluation and Management

One-stage curative surgical resection for obstructive colon cancer is challenging. Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are known as an alternative treatment used to avoid emergency operation. We aimed to evaluate the significance of SEMS placement as a bridge to surgery and the surgical outcomes of the elective operation. A consecutive 20 patients with obstructive colon cancer undergoing SEMS placement between June 2014 and February 2016 were included. The technical outcomes of the SEMS placement, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. Among them, 2 patients were treated with a SEMS palliatively, and the others were treated with a SEMS as a bridge to surgery. All SEMS were placed successfully at the first attempt, and there was no SEMS-related complication. Before surgery, all patients could be diagnosed histologically, and they were evaluated systemically including proximal colon or distant metastasis. The median time to operation after SEMS placement was 14 days (range 9–20 days). Seven of the 18 patients underwent a laparoscopic colectomy without conversion to laparotomy. All patients with stage II or III colon cancer underwent curative surgery, and 2 patients with stage IV colon cancer underwent a one-stage resection of the primary colon cancer and simultaneous liver metastasis after the evaluation of hepatic functional reserve. There was no mortality or SEMS-related complication in the perioperative period. SEMS placement as a bridge to surgery for patients with obstructive colon cancer is safe and effective to provide an adequate amount of time for a preoperative systemic management and evaluation.

Mo1062 Endoscopic Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Placement in Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction Due to Pancreatic Cancer: Does Chemotherapy Affect Stent Function?

Mo1062 Endoscopic Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Placement in Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction Due to Pancreatic Cancer: Does Chemotherapy Affect Stent Function?

Risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction following placement of self-expandable metallic stents in patients with malignant perihilar biliary stricture.

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are used for palliation in patients with malignant perihilar biliary strictures. However, recurrent biliary obstruction occasionally causes cholangitis and jaundice. This study aimed to identify risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction in such patients. Data from consecutive patients with malignant perihilar biliary strictures treated with endoscopic placement of SEMSs between 2007 and 2014 in Tohoku University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards models (with hazard ratios [HRs] and 95 % confidence interval [95 %CIs]), and SEMS patency period was examined using the Kaplan - Meier method. SEMS patency was defined as the period between SEMS insertion and the development of recurrent biliary obstruction. 104 patients were included. Median survival time was 281 days; and 85 patients died during a median follow-up period of 320 days. Recurrent biliary obstruction occurred in 35 patients. Median SEMS patency period was 549 days. Multivariable analyses showed that: compared with bile duct carcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma was associated with shorter SEMS patency (HR 8.18, 95 %CI 2.41 - 26.83); patency of left-sided SEMS was inferior to that of bilateral (HR 0.5, 95 %CI 0.32 - 0.93) and right-sided SEMS (HR 0.1, 95 %CI 0.02 - 0.65). Cholangitis before SEMS placement increased the risk of recurrent biliary obstruction (HR 11.44; 95 %CI 4.48 - 32.35) and reduced the SEMS patency period (746 vs. 210 days). Gallbladder carcinoma, left-sided stent placement, and cholangitis before SEMS placement are risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction after SEMS placement.

Endoscopic Double Metallic Stenting in the Afferent and Efferent Loops for Malignant Afferent Loop Obstruction with Billroth II Anatomy.

Placement of endoscopic self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) is widely performed for malignant gastrointestinal obstructions as an effective palliative procedure [1-3]. However, because only one report exists on SEMS placement at the bifurcation of a surgically reconstructed intestine [4], the safety and efficacy of the procedure have not been elucidated. We present a case of double SEMS placement at the bifurcation in Billroth-II gastrojejunostomy. A 75-year-old man who had undergone distal gastrectomy with Billroth-II reconstruction was admitted to our institution because of obstructive jaundice due to pancreatic head cancer. We performed percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), and then a biliary metallic stent was placed percutaneously. Contrast medium injection to the afferent loop through the PTBD tube demonstrated an afferent loop stricture because of tumor invasion (Fig. 1). Therefore, we performed enteral metallic stenting with a rendezvous technique. A guidewire was passed through the stricture through the PTBD tube into the stomach. After an endoscope was inserted into the stomach, the guidewire was grasped and withdrawn through the channel, and an enteral stent (22 mm×6 cm; Niti-S, TaeWoong Medical, Gimpo, Korea) was placed in the stricture (Fig. 2A). However, the expanded stent compressed the efferent loop, causing efferent loop obstruction. Contrast radiography showed that the contrast medium flowed only into the afferent loop (Fig. 2B). Therefore, a guidewire was passed through the stented side and into the efferent loop. Then, an enteral stent (22 mm×10 cm; Niti-S) was placed from the efferent loop to the stomach (Fig. 3A). After efferent loop stenting, substantial contrast medium flow into the efferent loop was observed (Fig. 3B). Oral feeds were initiated a day after stent placement, and the patient was subsequently discharged. He died of primary cancer progression 5 months after stent placement, although there were no stent problems. Fig. 1. Contrast medium injection to the afferent loop through a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage tube demonstrating an afferent loop stricture (arrow). Fig. 2. (A) An enteral stent placed in the afferent loop stricture. (B) Contrast radiograph showing that contrast medium flows only into the afferent loop. Fig. 3. (A) Additional enteral stent placed extending from the efferent loop to the stomach. (B) Substantial contrast medium flow into the efferent loop after efferent loop stenting. In recent years, malignant gastrointestinal obstruction of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and colon has been widely managed with endoscopic SEMS placement as an effective palliative treatment. However, because there are few studies on the use of metallic stents in the obstruction of a surgically reconstructed intestine, particularly stenting at the bifurcation of the surgically reconstructed intestine, the safety and efficacy of the procedure have not been elucidated. To the best of our knowledge, only one report exists on SEMS placement at the bifurcation of a surgically reconstructed intestine [4]. Kwong et al. [4] reported a case of concurrent afferent and efferent stents after a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Although their case eventually required three efferent limb stents for recurrent malignant obstruction along with an afferent limb stent, there were no serious complications. In the present case, the expanded afferent stent compressed the efferent loop, causing efferent loop obstruction. Because an expanded stent may cause intestinal obstruction, endoscopists should be careful while performing enteral stenting at the bifurcation of a surgically reconstructed intestine. Especially, during afferent loop stenting, an additional efferent loop stent should be considered for the passage of food into the efferent loop.

Factors associated with clinical failure of self-expandable metal stent for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction.

Objective. Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement has emerged as an effective palliative treatment for inoperable malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). In spite of successful stent placement, some patients complain of ongoing dysphagia and vomiting. Most reported data on SEMS to date are about technical success of different types of stents and low complication rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associated factors of clinical failure after endoscopic SEMS placement for inoperable malignant GOO. Methods. A total 122 patients who underwent successful endoscopic SEMS placement for malignant GOO in an academic referral center were included in the analyses. We retrospectively evaluated variables associated with clinical outcomes after successful SEMS placement. Results. The clinical success rate was 81.1%. The common causes of GOO were pancreatic (39%) and gastric cancers (32%). The mean length of the stents (± standard deviation) was 10.06 ± 2.42 cm. Multivariate analysis revealed that gallbladder cancer (p = 0.016, OR 6.486, 95% CI, 1.509–59.655), poor performance status (ECOG ≥3) (p = 0.001, OR 10.200, 95% CI, 2.435–42.721), the presence of carcinomatosis peritonei (p < 0.001, OR 35.714, 95% CI, 5.556–250.000) and the failure of endoscope passage (p = 0.039, OR 6.945, 95% CI, 1.101–43.818) Conclusion. Our results suggest that gallbladder cancer, poor performance status (ECOG ≥3) and the presence of carcinomatosis peritonei related with clinical failure of palliative SEMS placement.

A Japanese prospective multicenter study of self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant colorectal obstruction: short-term safety and efficacy within 7 days of stent procedure in 513 cases

Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent placement has been used as an alternative to surgery for malignant colorectal obstruction; however, factors affecting its clinical outcome are unclear. To clarify the short-term safety and efficacy of endoscopic self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant colorectal obstruction and to identify factors associated with its clinical and technical failure. Prospective clinical cohort study. Fourteen academic centers and 32 community hospitals. A total of 513 consecutive patients with malignant colorectal obstruction. Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent placement, sharing of stent placement methods among participating facilities. The primary endpoint was clinical success, defined as symptom and radiological finding resolution within 24 hours. Secondary endpoints were technical success and adverse events. The follow-up period was 7 days. The clinical and technical success rates were 95.5% and 97.9%, respectively. Major adverse events included perforation (2.1%), stent migration (1.0%), and stent occlusion (0.8%). The main causes of perforation were the procedure itself (0.8%) and comorbidities (obstructive colitis and impending perforation) not apparent before stent placement (0.6%). Extrinsic tumor origin was independently associated with the clinical failure after stent placement (odds ratio 4.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-14.79; P = .02). Stricture marking trended toward a negative association with technical failure (P = .09). Noncomparative study. Strict inclusion criteria and stricture marking may improve the technical and clinical success of stent placement.

Endoscopic self-expandable metallic stenting for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction in Southeast Asia.

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a pre-terminal event in the natural history of gastric and pancreaticobiliary cancers. The use of endoscopic placement of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) is a less invasive alternative palliative option for these patients. This is the first study in Southeast Asia to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of endoscopic SEMS placement in patients with malignant GOO. A retrospective review of our department's database in endoscopic SEMS placement for the treatment of malignant GOO was performed. Twenty-four patients with advanced or metastatic malignancy that underwent placement of SEMS for treatment of malignant GOO between January 2003 and July 2013 were analysed. The GOO severity score was used as an objective means of assessing patients' oral intake. Technical success rate was 100%. All patients resumed oral intake of liquids within the same day of stent placement. Clinical success was achieved in 21 patients (87.5%). There was a significant improvement of GOO severity score from 0.62 ± 1.0 (mean ± standard deviation) before stent placement to 2.04 ± 0.86 after stent placement (P < 0.001). Complication rate was 12.5%. Stent-related complications observed include stent migration (two patients) and tumour ingrowth (one patient). Serious complications such as gastrointestinal haemorrhage or perforation did not occur in any patients. The median survival after stent placement was 57 days (95% confidence interval, 12.2-101.8 days). None of the patients died from stent-related complications. Endoscopic SEMS placement is a minimally invasive, safe and effective option for the palliation of malignant GOO.

Y-shaped bilateral self-expandable metallic stent placement for malignant hilar biliary obstruction: data from a referral center for palliative care.

Background and Aim. Malignant hilar strictures are a clinical challenge because of the current therapeutic approach and the poor prognosis. In recent years, self-expandable metallic stents have proven more effective than plastic stents for palliation of malignant hilar strictures, with the bilateral stent-in-stent technique registering a high success rate. We report our experience with Y-shaped endoscopic self-expandable metallic stents placement for treatment of advanced malignant hilar strictures. Methods. From April 2009 to August 2012, we prospectively collected data on patients treated with Y-shaped SEMS placement for advanced malignant hilar carcinoma. Data on technical success, clinical success, and complications were collected. Results. Twenty patients (9 males) were treated (mean age 64.2 ± 15.3 years). The grade of malignant hilar strictures according to the Bismuth classification was II in 5 patients (25%), IIIa in 1 (5%), and IV in 14 (70%). The mean bilirubin level was 14.7 ± 4.9 mg/dL. Technical success was achieved in all patients, with a significant reduction in bilirubin levels (2.9 ± 1.7 mg/dL). One patient experienced cholangitis as early complication, while in 2 patients stent ingrowth was observed. No stents migration was recorded. There was no procedure-related mortality. At the end of the follow-up (7.1 ± 3.1 months), 13 of the 20 patients (65%) had died. Conclusions. Our experience confirms endoscopic bilateral self-expandable metallic stents placement with stent-in-stent technique (Y-shaped configuration) as a feasible, effective, and safe procedure for palliation of unresectable malignant hilar strictures.

Tips and troubleshooting for transpapillary metal stenting for distal malignant biliary obstruction

Endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) has become a mainstream treatment to relieve non-resectable distal malignant biliary obstructions—its longer patency and cost-effectiveness were demonstrated in comparison with plastic biliary stents in several randomized controlled trials. Despite advances in ERCP devices and SEMSs themselves to enable safe and effective biliary drainage via a SEMS, several significant aspects of the endoscopic placement of SEMS must be considered; otherwise, SEMS-related complications and early SEMS dysfunction may occur. Also, SEMS dysfunction, including occlusion and migration, occurs at a certain frequency in the long term, and appropriate reintervention is necessary to preserve the quality of life of the patient. Here, we present tips for endoscopic transpapillary SEMS placement for distal malignant biliary obstruction and reintervention for SEMS dysfunction.

Self-expanding metal stents for treatment of anastomotic complications after colorectal resection

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) can be used to treat patients with symptomatic anastomotic complications after colorectal resection. In the present case series, 16 patients with symptomatic anastomotic stricture after colorectal resection were treated with endoscopic placement of SEMS. Seven patients had a "simple" anastomotic stricture and nine patients had a fistula associated with the stricture. The anastomotic fistula healed without evidence of residual stricture or major fecal incontinence in seven of the nine patients. Overall the anastomotic stricture was resolved in 10 of the 16 patients. SEMS placement represents a valid adjunctive to treatment in patients with symptomatic anastomotic complications after colorectal resection for cancer.

Role of intervention for biliary and gastric/intestinal obstruction in gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis

Gastrointestinal (GI) luminal obstruction or malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) is not a rare condition in gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis. The role of endoscopic or percutaneous interventions is not fully elucidated in this setting. A total of 123 patients with unresectable or recurrent gastric adenocarcinoma with peritoneal metastasis receiving intravenous and intraperitoneal paclitaxel combined with S-1 were retrospectively studied. Safety and efficacy of interventions for GI luminal obstruction and MBO were evaluated. A total of 27 patients (22%) underwent GI luminal and/or biliary interventions; GI luminal alone in 10, biliary alone in 10 and both in seven, with a technical success rate of 100%. Clinical success rate was 65% in self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) placement for GI luminal obstruction. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) was prognostic of clinical success in GI luminal stenting (100% in PS of 1 vs 14% in PS of 2-3, P < 0.001). Biliary drainage (endoscopic SEMS placement in four and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in 12) relieved obstructive jaundice in 94%. Six complications were observed: four after GI luminal stenting (two occlusion and one aspiration pneumonia) and two after biliary stenting (one cholangitis and one cholecystitis). Median survival after the initial intervention was 5.7 months. PS at interventions was prognostic of survival after interventions (12.3 months in PS of 1 vs 2.2 months in PS of 2 or 3, P < 0.001). Endoscopic or percutaneous interventions for GI luminal obstruction or MBO were feasible and effective in gastric cancer patients with peritoneal dissemination receiving combination chemotherapy.

Endoscopic self‐expandable metallic stent placement in malignant pyloric or duodenal obstruction: Does chemotherapy affect stent patency?

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) have been used for palliation in patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstructions. We evaluated clinical outcomes after SEMS placement and identified prognostic factors of SEMS patency, including chemotherapy. A review of records of 85 patients with unresectable gastric or pancreatic cancer who underwent endoscopic SEMS insertion for gastroduodenal obstructions at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. From August 2003 to October 2009, 85 patients with gastroduodenal obstruction were managed with endoscopic SEMS placement. Technical success was achieved in 82 patients (96%) and clinical success in 68 patients (80%). Of 49 patients who had clinical success, 19 underwent chemotherapy (chemoTx group), and 30 patients did not (non-chemoTx group). Cumulative SEMS patency in the 49 patients who achieved clinical success were 84, 54 and 41% at 2, 3 and 6 months, respectively. By univariate and multivariate analysis, there was no statistical difference in the SEMS patency between the two groups (cumulative SEMS patency rate: 95 vs 73% at 2 months, 15 vs 63% at 3 months, 40 vs 42% at 6 months, respectively, P < 0.793). Chemotherapy does not improve SEMS patency in patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstruction caused by unresectable gastric or pancreatic cancer.

One- and two-step self-expandable metal stent placement for distal malignant biliary obstruction: a propensity analysis

Although self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are widely used for distal malignant biliary obstruction, one-step SEMS (direct placement without a prior plastic stent) and two-step SEMS (placement at second endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP] following plastic stent placement) have not been fully compared. In this multicenter retrospective study, patients were included who underwent first-time endoscopic SEMS placement between September 1994 and December 2010. We compared the one-step and two-step strategies using a propensity analysis. In total, 370 patients were identified and one-step SEMS was performed in 59 patients. After adjustment using propensity scores, the median times to dysfunction were 116 and 219 days, respectively, for one-step and two-step SEMS (P = 0.058). Stent migration was more frequently observed in one-step SEMS as compared with two-step SEMS (25 vs. 11 %, P = 0.031). In one-step SEMS, the number of days of hospitalization associated with first-time SEMS placement was shorter compared with that in two-step SEMS (21 vs. 30 days, P = 0.001), and the total costs of SEMS-related interventions within 6 months were lower (6510 and 8100 USD, P = 0.004). The pathological diagnosis rates for pancreatic and biliary tract cancer at initial ERCP were 52 and 61 %. After failed diagnosis at initial ERCP, pathological diagnosis rates for pancreatic cancer were 32 versus 76 % (P = 0.005) by repeated ERCP versus endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA). One-step SEMS was associated with increased stent migration, despite having potential cost-effectiveness. The additional yield of pathological diagnosis at repeated ERCP was low compared with that yielded by EUS-guided FNA.

Su1317 Unresectable Pancreatic Head Carcinoma: The Simultaneous Diagnosis and Sequential Treatment of Jaundice, Pain, and Duodenal Obstruction Can Improve the Quality of Life These Patients? A Prospective Study

Frequently, pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is inoperable at diagnosis and palliation is the treatment of choice. Pain, jaundice and duodenal obstruction deserve immediate palliative care. Endoscopic insertion of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) is used to relieve biliary and duodenal obstruction. Management of these patients in a single session with EUS-FNA, pain relief by EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (EUS-CPN), and relief of biliary and duodenal obstruction by endoscopic placement of SEMS, has not yet been accurately defined.

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after endoscopic biliary stenting for bile duct cancer

We report a case of a pseudoaneurysm of the right hepatic artery observed 9 mo after the endoscopic placement of a Wallstent, for bile duct stenosis, which was treated with transcatheter arterial embolization. The patient presented with obstructive jaundice and was diagnosed with inoperable common bile duct cancer. A plastic stent was inserted endoscopically to drain the bile, and chemotherapy was initiated. Abdominal pain and jaundice appeared approximately 6 mo after the beginning of chemotherapy. A diagnosis of stent occlusion and cholangitis was made, and the plastic stent was removed and substituted with a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) endoscopically. Nine months after SEMS insertion, contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a pseudoaneurysm of the right hepatic artery protruding into the common bile duct lumen and in contact with the SEMS. The shape and size of the pseudoaneurysm and diameter of its neck was determined by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography using Sonazoid. A micro-catheter was led into the pseudoaneurysm in the right hepatic artery, GDC™ Detachable Coils were placed, and IDC™ Detachable Coils were then placed in the right hepatic artery on the distal and proximal sides of the pseudoaneurysm using the isolation method. There have been a few reports on pseudoaneurysm associated with stent placement in the biliary tract employing percutaneous transhepatic procedures, however, reports of pseudoaneurysms associated with endoscopic SEMS placement are very rare.