Expandable Metal Stents Research Articles

Risk factors for migration of retrievable covered expandable metallic stent in patients with persistent benign ureter strictures

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and salvage management of retrievable covered expandable metallic stent (RCEMS) migration in patients with persistent benign ureter strictures.Materials and methodsA retrospective study was performed on 117 consecutive patients who underwent implantation of RCEMS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify prognostic factors for stent migration, including stricture location and length, hydronephrosis–cortex ratio, ureteral dilation, and the diameter of the narrowest portion of the stricture.ResultsStent migration occurred in 22 (19.5%) of 113 patients who met inclusion criteria. Of the 22 patients, 16 (72.7%) had ordinary ureteral stricture, 3 (13.6%) had stricture in transplanted kidneys, and 3 patients (13.6%) had ureter stricture in orthotopic neobladders. The mean creatinine for the entire cohorts showed significant improvement (p = 0.038). Multivariate analysis identified the following prognostic factors for migration: distal ureteral stricture (p = 0.006), patients who underwent balloon dilation (p = 0.003), hydronephrosis–cortex ratio ≧10 (p = 0.017), larger diameter of wasting of RCEMS (p < 0.001), and patients with a shorter stricture length (p = 0.006). Salvage management was required in 4 of the 22 patients. The strictures in the remaining 18 patients improved with observation.ConclusionsStent migration is more likely to occur in patients with the five prognostic factors mentioned above. Our study developed a nomogram to predict stent migration in patients with ureteral strictures treated using RCEMS.

Efficacy of Oesophageal self expandable metal stent placement for palliation of dysphagia in inoperable oesophageal cancer patients: A low-income country perspective

Efficacy of Oesophageal self expandable metal stent placement for palliation of dysphagia in inoperable oesophageal cancer patients: A low-income country perspective

High Output External Biliary Drainage Leading to Acute Kidney Injury in a Patient with Malignant Obstructive Jaundice: A Rare Case Report

Most patients with malignant obstructive jaundice present to the hospital in an advanced unresectable stage. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and stenting are the established , safe and effective way of palliative treatment aiming prolongation and improving the quality of the life. We report a rare case of high output external biliary drainage leading to AKI and electrolyte imbalance following insertion of PTB drain. Patient was managed with hemodialysis and subsequent self- expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement. We highlight the importance of awareness of this complication and need of further studies regarding role of biliary interventions, associated complications and management.

The utility of self-expanding metal stents in benign biliary strictures- a retrospective case series

BackgroundBenign biliary strictures can have a significant negative impact on patient quality of life. There are several modalities which can be utilized with the goal of stricture resolution. These techniques include balloon dilatation, placement of multiple plastic stents and more recently, the use of metal stents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the local success of self-expanding metal stents in successfully resolving benign biliary strictures.MethodsThis was a single institution, retrospective case series. Patients included in our study were patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with placement of self expanding metal stents for benign biliary strictures at our institution between 2016–2022. Patients were excluded for the following: malignant stricture, and inability to successfully place metal stent. Data was evaluated using two-sided t-test with 95% confidence interval.ResultsA total of 31 patients underwent placement of 43 self-expanding metal stents and met inclusion criteria. Mean age of patients was 59 ± 10 years, and were largely male (74.2% vs. 25.8%). Most strictures were anastomotic stricture post liver transplant (87.1%), while the remainder were secondary to chronic pancreatitis (12.9%). Complications of stent placement included cholangitis (18.6%), pancreatitis (2.3%), stent migration (20.9%), and inability to retrieve stent (4.7%). There was successful stricture resolution in 73.5% of patients with anastomotic stricture and 33.3% of patients with stricture secondary to pancreatitis. Resolution was more likely if stent duration was > / = 180 days (73.3% vs. 44.4%, p < 0.05). There was no demonstrated added benefit when stent duration was > / = 365 days (75% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.64).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that self expanding metal stents are a safe and effective treatment for benign biliary strictures, with outcomes comparable to plastic stents with fewer interventions. This study indicates that the optimal duration to allow for stricture resolution is 180–365 days.

Conversion surgery for advanced jejunal adenocarcinoma with multiple peritoneal metastases: a case report

BackgroundSmall bowel cancer (SBC) is a rare malignancy that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Palliative chemotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with metastatic SBC. The relevant literature on conversion surgery in patients who have responded favorably to chemotherapy is limited.Case presentationA 64-year-old man was diagnosed with jejunal carcinoma with multiple peritoneal metastases. After implanting an expandable metallic stent at the primary site, the patient underwent 6 months of FOLFOX therapy, resulting in a clinical complete response. Chemotherapy was continued, and four years after the initiation of therapy, the patient showed no evidence of disease progression. Nevertheless, anemia of continuous minor hemorrhages from the stent site and general malaise of chemotherapy got progressively worse during treatment. After confirming negative ascites cytology and the absence of peritoneal metastasis via staging laparoscopy, the patient underwent partial jejunectomy. Pathologically, no residual tumor was detected in the resected specimen. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient remained free of recurrence for 30 months after surgery without chemotherapy.ConclusionAlthough infrequent, conversion surgery may be a valid therapeutic option for selected cases of SBC with peritoneal metastasis.

Efficacy of closed cell self expandable metallic stent for peripheral arterial disease in the porcine iliac artery

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a closed-cell self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) with or without expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE)-covering membrane in a porcine iliac artery model. Twelve Yorkshire domestic pigs were divided into a bare closed-cell SEMS (B-SEMS) group (n = 6) and covered closed-cell SEMS (C-SEMS) group (n = 6). Both closed-cell SEMSs were placed in the right or left iliac artery. Thrombogenicity score in the C-SEMS group was significantly higher than that in the B-SEMS group (p = 0.004) after 4 weeks. Angiographic findings of mean luminal diameters at 4 weeks follow-up did not differ significantly between B-SEMS and C-SEMS groups. Neointimal hyperplasia thickness as well as degree of inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the C-SEMS group was significantly greater than that in the B-SEMS group (p < 0.001). Closed-cell SEMSs successfully maintained patency for 4 weeks without stent-related complications in the porcine iliac artery. Although mild thrombus with neointimal hyperplasia was observed in the C-SEMS group, subsequent occlusion, and in-stent stenosis did not occur in any of the pigs until the end of the study. Closed-cell SEMS with or without the e-PTFE covering membrane is effective and safe for the porcine iliac artery.

Outcomes of colon self-expandable metal stents for malignant vs benign indications at a tertiary care center and review of literature.

Endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is a minimally invasive treatment for use in malignant and benign colonic obstruction. However, their widespread use is still limited with a nationwide analysis showing only 5.4% of patients with colon obstruction undergoing stent placement. This underutilization could be due to perceived increase risk of complications with stent placement. To review long- and short-term clinical success of SEMS use for colonic obstruction at our center. We retrospectively reviewed all the patients who underwent colonic SEMS placement over a eighteen year period (August 2004 through August 2022) at our academic center. Demographics including age, gender, indication (malignant and benign), technical success, clinical success, complications (perforation, stent migration), mortality, and outcomes were recorded. Sixty three patients underwent colon SEMS over an 18-year period. Fifty-five cases were for malignant indications, 8 were for benign conditions. The benign strictures included diverticular disease stricturing (n = 4), fistula closure (n = 2), extrinsic fibroid compression (n = 1), and ischemic stricture (n = 1). Forty-three of the malignant cases were due to intrinsic obstruction from primary or recurrent colon cancer; 12 were from extrinsic compression. Fifty-four strictures occurred on the left side, 3 occurred on the right and the rest in transverse colon. The total malignant case (n = 55) procedural success rate was 95% vs 100% for benign cases (P = 1.0, NS). Overall complication rate was significantly higher for benign group: Four complications were observed in the malignant group (stent migration, restenosis) vs 2 of 8 (25%) for benign obstruction (1-perforation, 1-stent migration) (P = 0.02). When stratifying complications of perforation and stent migration there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.14, NS). Colon SEMS remains a worthwhile option for colonic obstruction related to malignancy and has a high procedural and clinical success rate. Benign indications for SEMS placement appear to have similar success to malignant. While there appears to be a higher overall complication rate in benign cases, our study is limited by sample size. When evaluating for perforation alone there does not appear to be any significant difference between the two groups. SEMS placement may be a practical option for indications other that malignant obstruction. Interventional endoscopists should be aware and discuss the risk for complications in setting of benign conditions. Indications in these cases should be discussed in a multi-disciplinary fashion with colorectal surgery.

Over-the-scope Technique for Partially Covered Self-expandable Metal Stent Placement to Treat Duodenal Perforation during EUS

Although endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is generally safe, duodenal perforation may occur during the procedure. When the iatrogenic break is wide, endoscopic positioning of a covered self- expandable metal stent is indicated to avoid a more invasive surgical approach. We evaluated the efficacy of the 'over-the-scope stenting' (OTSS) technique to treat iatrogenic duodenal perforations occurred during EUS. Data of patients with large iatrogenic duodenal perforations treated with OTSS procedure were collected in 5 centers. Technical success was defined as a correct stent placement on the perforation site, and clinical success as complete healing of the duodenal leak at stent removal 3 weeks later. A total of 15 (7 males; median age: 78 years, range 47-91) patients were included in this series. A correct stent positioning was achieved in all cases (technical success: 100%), and the perforation was healed in all, apart from one patient at stent removal (clinical success: 93%). This patient was successfully treated with a novel stent placement. No immediate post-procedural adverse events occurred, and no need for emergency surgery was recorded. In one (6.7%) patient, stent migration occurred 10 days after positioning, and it was spontaneously expulsed with stool movement without complications two days later. Our data showed that the OTTS technique for partially covered self-expandable metal stent placement is feasible, safe and effective to tread large iatrogenic duodenal perforation occuring during EUS.

Uncovered versus covered expandable metal stents for malignant gastric outlet obstruction caused by intrinsic and extrinsic tumors: meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis.

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) can be palliated by endoscopic placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs). Studies comparing uncovered (USEMSs) and covered (CSEMSs) SEMSs have yielded inconclusive results. This meta-analysis compared USEMSs with CSEMSs in patients with GOO caused by intrinsic and extrinsic tumors. Potentially relevant articles were identified by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Medline. The primary outcome was stent dysfunction. Relationships between characteristics of tumors causing GOO and the stent dysfunction rate following USEMSs and CSEMS placement were assessed. Overall, six randomized controlled trials and 12 observational studies, including 2431 patients, were identified. Rate of stent dysfunction did not differ significantly between USEMSs and CSEMSs (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-1.25, I2 = 44%), but there was heterogeneity. Meta-regression analysis showed that heterogeneity of stent dysfunction was caused by a difference in the ratio of intrinsic-to-extrinsic tumors causing GOO between studies (coefficient, 0.944; 95% CI, 0.30-1.58). Studies were divided into intrinsic and extrinsic tumor groups. Subgroup analysis showed that the stent dysfunction rate did not differ between USEMSs and CSEMSs in the intrinsic tumor group (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.85-1.41; I2 = 32%). In the extrinsic tumor group, USEMS was associated with a lower rate of stent dysfunction than CSEMS (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.47-0.87; I2 = 25%). USEMS and CSEMS placement generally showed comparable outcomes among patients with GOO. USEMS was more effective than CSEMS for patients with GOO caused by extrinsic tumors.

Outcome of self-expandable metal stents placement for obstructive colorectal cancer: 7 years’ experience from a Swedish tertiary center

Background and study aimsSelf expandable metal stents (SEMS) is an alternative to emergency surgery to treat malignant large bowel obstruction. It can be used either for palliation or as a bridge to curative surgery. Our study aims to review the outcomes of SEMS treatment in a tertiary center and to find predictors for the clinical outcome.Patient and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from SEMS insertion at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, a referral center in Western Sweden (1.7 million inhabitants), between 2014 and 2020. Data collected were age, the intent of intervention, tumor localization, complication rate, technical and clinical success, 30- and 90-days mortality as well as long-term survival for the indication bridge to surgery.ResultsWe identified 265 SEMS insertions (mean age 72, female 49.4%). Most SEMS were used for palliation (90.2%). The malign obstruction was most often located in the left colon (71.7%). Technical success was achieved in 259 (97.7%) cases and clinical success in 244 (92.1%) cases. Post-operative complications occurred in 11 cases (4.2%). The 30-days mortality rate was 11.7% and the 90-day was 31.7%. In our analysis the tumor site was not associated with adverse outcomes and bridge to surgery indication was a positive prognostic factor for the 90-day mortality.ConclusionsWe found that SEMS is an effective and safe treatment for patients with acute obstructive colorectal cancer.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is now a well established percutaneous means of decreasing portal hypertension. The major clinical indications for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt are refractory variceal hemorrhage and refractory ascites. The shunt itself is created by placing a stent between the portal vein and the hepatic vein. The resultant shunting of portal venous flow to the systemic circulation helps reduce the portosystemic gradient and alleviate bleeding and ascites without changing the extrahepatic anatomy. History and Development The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was initially described in 1969, originally by prolonged balloon dilation of a percutaneously created tract between the portal and hepatic veins. Unfortunately, short patency of the track remained a major clinical hurdle to its widespread use. The development of balloon expandable metallic stents and the subsequent introduction of flexible bare-metal stents helped improve patency rates. Intimal hyperplasia within the stent, especially at the hepatic venous end, required frequent secondary interventions such as balloon dilation and re-stenting. Early thrombosis was felt to be secondary to placing the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt across a major bile duct. Advances in stent technology and the introduction of polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents over a decade ago has led to further increase in clinical patency and improved long-term results with TIPS.

Oral intake and survival after the placement of enteric protheses in advanced gastric neoplasms

Background: Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a frequent complication in patients with locally advanced gastric neoplasms. The palliation of the symptomatic obstruction can be performed through surgery or the placement of self expandable metal stents (SEMS). This study acesses the long-term clinical efficacy of SEMS as a paliative treatment in patients with GOO due to gastric cancer.

Salvage surgery following immuno-chemo-radiotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer

BackgroundSalvage surgery following definitive radiotherapy or systemic treatment has become a feasible treatment option in selected patients with advanced initially unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. Recent clinical trials of neoadjuvant treatment have showed that surgery following immuno-chemotherapy is safely performed. Here, we present the first case of salvage surgery following immuno-chemotherapy with concurrent definitive radiotherapy for advanced lung large cell carcinoma.Case presentationA 44-year male was admitted to our hospital for salvage surgery. Ten months prior to this administration, he had been diagnosed with unresectable large cell carcinoma with malignant pericardial effusion (clinical stage IVA/T3N2M1A; no driver-gene alteration) originating from the right upper lobe (RUL). Due to rapid intrabronchial tumor growth causing severe dyspnea, emergency bronchial stenting in the right main bronchus using an expandable metallic stent had been performed. Thereafter, he had received immuno-chemotherapy with concurrent definitive radiotherapy. Despite dramatic radiographic response, he had suffered from persistent and refractory Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection associated with bronchial stent placement. As pericardial effusion had disappeared and no distant metastasis had developed, he was diagnosed with a potentially curable disease and was referred to our hospital. An extended sleeve resection was successfully performed, and pathological sections revealed that pathologic complete response was achieved with immuno-chemo-radiotherapy. The patient received no subsequent treatment, and is alive without tumor recurrence at 8 months after surgery.ConclusionsSalvage surgery following immuno-chemotherapy with concurrent definitive radiotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer may be feasible in selected patients, and may be considered as a treatment option to control local disease.

A DISAPPEARING ACT: DEFINITIVE MANAGEMENT OF REFRACTORY VANISHING BRONCHUS INTERMEDIUS SYNDROME

TOPIC: Transplantation TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Vanishing Bronchus Intermedius Syndrome (VBIS) is a post-transplant pathology where the Bronchus Intermedius (BI) of a transplanted right lung undergoes non-infectious ischemic and necrotic transformation distal to the surgical anastomosis, resulting in airway occlusion. The stenosis can be refractory to dilation and stenting, requiring increasingly stringent interventions. Here we report a patient who required definitive surgical management for VBIS. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64 year old male with IPF post single right lung transplant was evaluated by our interventional pulmonology team for BI stenosis. One month post transplant, the patient developed respiratory symptoms and a drop in PFTs, which on serial bronchoscopy revealed mucous plugging and a stenotic mass obstructing the BI. Biopsy of the stenosis ruled out infection, revealing only necrotic changes with granulation tissue, thus supporting a diagnosis of VBIS. Stenosis was only intermittently relieved by repeated balloon dilation and forceps debulking. Thus, the BI was stented with a RML fenestration.However, extension of the stenosis to adjacent lobar bronchi and around the stent required repeated placement, revision, and removal of multiple bronchial stents. Repeated cryoablation and laser ablation of the stenosis only resulted in intermittent relief, but segments also developed slight malacia. Direct injections of steroids and Mitomycin were trialed to arrest proliferation of the granulation tissue. Due to persistent symptoms, bronchial sleeve resection of the stenosis was performed for definitive management, resulting in resolution of stenosis. His symptoms related to VBIS improved significantly, with FEV1 improved from 1.18 to 1.59 pre / post surgery. DISCUSSION: The development of VBIS necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to prevent and manage. Ischemic injury is believed to initiate VBIS, and risk factors reflect this (eg. intraoperative blood loss, ECMO, prolonged ventilation, high PEEP). Balloon dilation and stenting is trialed first, followed by debulking by forceps, cryoablation, or laser. Silicone stents are preferred due to ease of removal. Fully covered self expanding metal stents are preferred if adjacent bronchi become affected but are susceptible to epithelialization. Steroids and antimitotic agents may be attempted to inhibit the proliferating granulation tissue when debulking fails. When conservative treatments fail, surgical excision is feasible with good physiologic and symptomatic results. To the authors knowledge, only two other cases of successful BI sleeve resection for VBIS have been reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: In the post-transplant setting, risk factors should be assessed to prognosticate for development of VBIS. VBIS may not respond to dilation and debulking, and a mixture of procedural interventions may abate restenosis. Definitive management may require bronchial sleeve resection. REFERENCE #1: Alraiyes AH, Inaty H, Machuzak MS. Vanishing Bronchus After Lung Transplantation: The Role of Sequential Airway Dilatations. Ochsner J. 2017 Spring;17(1):71-75. REFERENCE #2: Santacruz JF, Mehta AC. Airway complications and management after lung transplantation: ischemia, dehiscence, and stenosis. Proc Am Thorac Soc. 2009 Jan 15;6(1):79-93. REFERENCE #3: Marulli G, Loy M, Rizzardi G, Calabrese F, Feltracco P, Sartori F, Rea F. Surgical treatment of posttransplant bronchial stenoses: case reports. Transplant Proc. 2007 Jul-Aug;39(6):1973-5. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Gustavo Cumbo-Nacheli, source=Web Response no disclosure on file for john egan;research relationship with United Therapeutics Please note: 2016- ongoing Added 04/19/2021 by Reda Girgis, source=Web Response, value=Grant/Researchresearch relationship with Pfizer Please note: 2014-2020 Added 04/19/2021 by Reda Girgis, source=Web Response, value=Grant/Research Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Boehringher Ingelheim Please note: 2016-ongoing Added 04/19/2021 by Reda Girgis, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Genentech Please note: 2016-ongoing Added 04/19/2021 by Reda Girgis, source=Web Response, value=Honoraria No relevant relationships by Ryan Hadley, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Edward Murphy, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Ranuka Sinniah, source=Web Response

The Utility of Covered Self Expanding Metal Stents in the Management of Complex Small Bowel Fistula

The Utility of Covered Self Expanding Metal Stents in the Management of Complex Small Bowel Fistula

Patterned Drug-Eluting Coatings for Tracheal Stents Based on PLA, PLGA, and PCL for the Granulation Formation Reduction: In Vivo Studies

Expandable metallic stent placement is often the only way to treat airway obstructions. Such treatment with an uncoated stent causes granulation proliferation and subsequent restenosis, resulting in the procedure’s adverse complications. Systemic administration of steroids drugs in high dosages slows down granulation tissue overgrowth but leads to long-term side effects. Drug-eluting coatings have been used widely in cardiology for many years to suppress local granulation and reduce the organism’s systemic load. Still, so far, there are no available analogs for the trachea. Here, we demonstrate that PLA-, PCL- and PLGA-based films with arrays of microchambers to accommodate therapeutic substances can be used as a drug-eluting coating through securely fixing on the surface of an expandable nitinol stent. PCL and PLA were most resistant to mechanical damage associated with packing in delivery devices and making it possible to keep high-molecular-weight cargo. Low-molecular-weight methylprednisolone sodium succinate is poorly retained in PCL- and PLGA-based microchambers after immersion in deionized water (only 9.5% and 15.7% are left, respectively). In comparison, PLA-based microchambers retain 96.3% after the same procedure. In vivo studies on rabbits have shown that effective granulation tissue suppression is achieved when PLA and PLGA are used for coatings. PLGA-based microchamber coating almost completely degrades in 10 days in the trachea, while PLA-based microchamber films partially preserve their structure. The PCL-based film coating is most stable over time, which probably causes blocking the outflow of fluid from the tracheal mucosa and the aggravation of the inflammatory process against the background of low drug concentration. Combination and variability of polymers in the fabrication of films with microchambers to retain therapeutic compounds are suggested as a novel type of drug-eluting coating.

Placing covered self-expanding metal stents by suspension laryngoscope in benign tracheal stenosis

BackgroundTracheobronchial stent placement for malignant airway strictures has been proved to improve respiratory function, but experience for benign tracheobronchial stenoses is limited. The purpose of our study is to investigate the efficacy of covered expandable metallic stents, inserted through a suspension laryngoscope, treating tracheal stenosis following intubation or tracheostomy. MethodsFrom 2010 to 2018, 67 adult patients with the benign tracheal stenosis, underwent stent placement, using a suspension laryngoscope. According to the date of stent placement and stent caliber, these patients have been subdivided into two groups: Group 1 (from 2010 to 2013, stent caliber ranging from 16 to 20 mm) and Group 2 (from 2014 to 2018, stent caliber ranging from 18 to 22 mm). Complications, related reinterventions, and long-term prognosis were retrospectively evaluated. ResultsPrimary successful stent placement was achieved and symptoms were improved in all patients. Complications occurred in 27 (40.3%) cases. Among these, there were 14 (20.9%) cases with stent migration, 10 (14.93%) with granulation tissue formation and 3 (4.48%) with pneumonia. Stent migration in Group 1 was nearly 30% higher than that in Group 2 (P = 0.002). Five of the 8 patients who had placement of 16 mm stents had stent migration, more often than with 20 mm stents (P = 0.002). Ten patients' trachea had slight narrowing but without any symptoms. Six patients still had granulation tissue but without any growth at least two-year follow-up (2 patients whose stents were removed more than 1 year after placement). Even without tracheal narrowing and granulation tissue, 5 patients felt persistent shortness of breath. 92.5% of the patients reported to be satisfied with significant improvement in symptoms. ConclusionsPatients with tracheal obstruction secondary to intubation or tracheostomy can benefit from tracheal stents. Placing 16 mm stents might lead to stent migration more easily than 20 mm stents. Tracheal stents placed by a suspension laryngoscope provide a reasonable alternative to open surgery for patients with benign tracheal stenosis or obstruction.

Bronchial stenting in infants with severe bronchomalacia: Technique and outcomes

ObjectivesTo report the first use of a balloon expandable bare metal stent for treating infant bronchomalacia. BackgroundInfant bronchomalacia often requires prolonged mechanical ventilation and can be life-threatening. Effective treatment for severe infant bronchomalacia continues to be elusive. We present three cases of bronchial stenting for no-option or treatment refractory infant bronchomalacia. MethodsThree consecutive cases of stenting to relieve conservative treatment refractory severe infant bronchomalacia were performed between February 2019 and December 2020. Initial diagnosis was confirmed with Computed Tomography (CT) angiography. Patients underwent rigid micro laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and flexible bronchoscopy to evaluate the airway. Initial conservative management strategies were pursued. Patients failing initial conservative management strategies were considered for rescue bronchial stenting. ResultsOur initial clinical experience with a coronary bare metal stent for these procedures has been favorable. The stent was easy to deploy with precision. We did not encounter stent embolization or migration. There was sufficient stent radial strength to relieve bronchomalacia without causing restenosis or erosion. There was no significant granulation tissue formation. In one patient, the stent was removed after 12 months of somatic growth; this was uneventful and bronchial patency was maintained. There were no complications in any of our patients regarding stent placement and reliability. ConclusionIn cases of three infants with severe bronchomalacia, we found that bronchial stenting with the bare metal coronary stent was effective in relieving bronchial stenosis.

Self-Expandable Metal Stents for Left Sided Colon Obstruction from Diverticulitis. A Single Center Retrospective Series.

Background and Objectives: The incidence of diverticulitis is increasing in western countries. Complicated diverticulitis is defined as diverticulitis associated with localized or generalized perforation, localized or distant abscess, fistula, stricture or obstruction. Colonic symptomatic strictures are often treated with segmental colectomy. The aim of our study is to report our experience with Self Expandable Metal Stents (SEMS) placement to relieve sigmoid obstruction secondary to diverticulitis, either as a permanent solution or as a bridge to elective colectomy. Material and Methods: From January 2016 to December 2018, 21 patients underwent SEMS placement for sigmoid obstruction secondary to diverticulitis at our institution. In four patients with poor general conditions, SEMS was considered the definitive form of treatment. In 17 patients, the stent was placed as bridge to elective colectomy. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcomes were postoperative mortality and morbidity after SEMS and subsequent elective colectomy. Results: There was no mortality or major morbidity after SEMS placement or subsequent elective colectomy. No stoma was performed. Conclusions: Placement of Colorectal Self Expandable Stent represents a useful tool to relieve obstruction in patients with left-sided colonic diverticulitis. SEMS placement makes it possible to transform an emergency clinical condition into an elective condition, giving time to resolve the inflammation and the infection inevitably associated with complicated diverticulitis.

A Novel Method to Prevent Migration of Gastric Stent

AbstractSelf expandable metal stent (SEMS) are widely used in patients with gastric outlet obstruction. Stent migration can occur in these patients, and is an important issue, which needs to be addressed. We used a novel technique for prevention of migration of gastric stent in an 80 year old female. Patient presented with recurrent vomiting due to gastric outlet obstruction by a growth in the antrum. SEMS was placed for palliation of symptoms. A nylon thread multiloop and through the scope clips were used to fix the SEMS with the gastric wall. The technique was used successfully to prevent the migration of SEMS.