Malignant Bowel Obstruction Research Articles

Supported self-management as a model for end-of-life care in the setting of malignant bowel obstruction: A qualitative study

ObjectiveWomen with advanced gynecologic cancer and malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) undergo repeated hospitalizations, experience feelings of isolation and abandonment, and often die in acute settings. Innovative outpatient models of care are needed to address the unmet needs of this population at the end-of-life. We implemented a novel supported self-management (SMS) program focused on increasing patients' skill and confidence in managing MBO proactively in the ambulatory setting. MethodsWe performed a qualitative descriptive study embedded in a prospective single-arm evaluative trial (Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03260647) to understand the impact of this program on patients' sense of support, degree of distress, quality of care, and capacity to self-manage. Semi-structured interviews were completed and analysed using the Chronic Care Model as a theoretical framework. Data saturation was confirmed after 15 interviews. ResultsFifteen patients (age range: 47–82) with diagnoses of advanced ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer were interviewed; 10 had died by end of follow-up, with a median interval from interview to death of 5 months. Patients were able to self-manage the: (i) medical aspects; (ii) psychological consequences, and (iii) changes in life roles and expectations resulting from their condition. Patients felt greatly supported, less isolated, and secure in their knowledge and ability to access care due to SMS. While patients understood their disease was not curative they did not fully appreciate that MBO signalled a significantly poorer prognosis. ConclusionOutpatient SMS interventions can be successfully implemented even for rapidly fatal conditions at the end-of-life and offer significant benefit to gynecologic cancer patients with MBO. Counselling should focus on the specific trajectory of MBO, and early palliative care referrals should be standard practice.

Surgical Outcomes in Patients With Malignant Small Bowel Obstruction: A National Cohort Study.

The study objectives were to characterize surgical outcomes for malignant small bowel obstruction (MaSBO) as compared to other small bowel obstructions (SBO) and to develop a prediction model for postoperative mortality for MaSBO. MaSBO is a morbid complication of advanced cancers for which the optimal management remains undefined. Patients who underwent surgery for MaSBO or SBO were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2005-2017). Outcomes [30-day morbidity, unplanned readmissions, mortality, postoperative length of stay (LOS)] were compared between propensity score-matched MaSBO and SBO patients. An internally validated prediction model for mortality in MaSBO patients was developed. Of 46,706 patients, 1612 (3.5%) had MaSBO. Although MaSBO patients were younger than those with SBO (median 63 vs 65 years, P < 0.001), they were otherwise more clinically complex, including a higher proportion with recent weight loss (22.0% vs 4.0%, P < 0.001), severe hypoalbuminemia (18.6% vs 5.2%, P < 0.001), and cytopenias. After matching (N = 1609/group), MaSBO was associated with increased morbidity [odds ratio (OR) 1.2, P = 0.004], but not readmission (OR 1.1, P = 0.48) or LOS (incidence rate ratio 1.0, P = 0.14). The odds of mortality were significantly higher for MaSBO than SBO (OR 3.3, P < 0.001). A risk-score model predicted postoperative mortality for MaSBO with an optimism-adjusted Brier score of 0.114 and area under the curve of 0.735. Patients in the highest-risk category (11.5% of MaSBO population) had a predicted mortality rate of 39.4%. Surgery for MaSBO is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, necessitating careful patient evaluation before operative intervention.

Technical and Clinical Outcomes After Colorectal Stenting in Malignant Large Bowel Obstruction: A Single-Center Experience.

PurposeMalignant large bowel obstruction is a surgical emergency that requires urgent decompression. Stents are increasingly being used, though reported outcomes are variable. We describe our multidisciplinary experience in using stents to manage malignant large bowel obstruction.MethodsAll patients undergoing colorectal stent insertion for acute large bowel obstruction in a teaching hospital were included. Outcomes, complications, and length of stay (LOS) were recorded.ResultsOver a 7-year period, 73 procedures were performed on 67 patients (37 male, mean age of 76 years). Interventional radiology was involved in all cases. Endoscopic guidance was required in 24 cases (32.9%). In 18 patients (26.9%), treatment intent was to bridge to elective surgery; 16 had successful stent placement; all had subsequent curative resection (laparoscopic resection, 8 of 18; primary anastomosis, 14 of 18). Overall LOS, including both index admission and elective admission, was 16.4 days. Treatment intent was palliative in 49 patients (73.1%). In this group, stents were successfully placed in 41 of 49 (83.7%). Complication rate within 30 days was 20%, including perforation (2 patients), per rectal bleeding (2), stent migration (1), and stent passage (5). Nineteen patients (38.8%) required subsequent stoma formation (6, during same admission; 13, during subsequent admission). Overall LOS was 16.9 days.ConclusionIn our experience colorectal stents can be used effectively to manage malignant large bowel obstruction, with only selective endoscopic input. As a bridge to surgery, most patients can avoid emergency surgery and have a primary anastomosis. In the palliative setting, the complication rate is acceptable and two-thirds avoid a permanent stoma.

Surgical intervention for malignant bowel obstruction caused by gastrointestinal malignancies.

BACKGROUNDMalignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common event for end-stage gastrointestinal cancer patients. Previous studies had demonstrated manifestations and clinical management of MBO with mixed malignancies. There still lack reports of the surgical treatment of MBO.AIMTo analyze the short-term outcomes and prognosis of palliative surgery for MBO caused by gastrointestinal cancer.METHODSA retrospective chart review of 61 patients received palliative surgery between January 2016 to October 2018 was performed, of which 31 patients underwent massive debulking surgery (MDS) and 30 underwent ostomy/by-pass surgery (OBS). The 60-d symptom palliation rate, 30-d morbidity and mortality, and overall survival rates were compared between the two groups.RESULTSThe overall symptom palliation rate was 75.4% (46/61); patients in the MDS group had significantly higher symptom palliation rate than OBS group (90% vs 61.2%, P = 0.016). Patients with colorectal cancer who were in the MDS group showed significantly higher symptom improvement rates compared to the OBS group (overall, 76.4%; MDS, 61.5%; OBS, 92%; P = 0.019). However, patients with gastric cancer did not show a significant difference in symptom palliation rate between the MDS and OBS groups (OBS, 60%; MDS, 80%; P = 1.0). The median survival time in the MDS group was significantly longer than in the OBS group (10.9 mo vs 5.3 mo, P = 0.05).CONCLUSIONFor patients with MBO caused by peritoneal metastatic colorectal cancer, MDS can improve symptom palliation rates and prolong survival, without increasing mortality and morbidity rates.

AB049. Defunctioning stoma in the management of malignant bowel obstruction

AB049. Defunctioning stoma in the management of malignant bowel obstruction

Comparative Analysis of Efficacy of Intraoperative Decompression with Nasogastric and Nasojejunal Tubes in Patients with Malignant Small Bowel Obstruction

Nasointestinal decompression was implemented into clinical practice in 1930s. Earlier clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy of nasointestinal tubes in treating adhesive small bowel obstructions. A recent study showed controversial results: efficacy after nasogastric intervention was not less efficient compared to nasointestinal decompression. Hydrophilic silicon triple lumen tubes used for intestinal decompression were introduced in 2003. A variety of modifications were introduced and applied in clinical practice. Our study attempts to compare the decompression efficacy between the modern ileus tube and nasogastric tubes used for decompression in patients with malignant bowel obstruction. A total of 132 consecutive patients with intestinal obstruction were included in this study. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to clinical characteristics and laboratory variables documented on admission. The endoscopically inserted intestinal tube was used for gastrointestinal decompression in 64 patients, and nasogastric tube was applied in 68 patients. The therapeutic efficacy of applied strategies was compared between the two groups using Chi-squared test. Compared with the strategy applying nasogastric tubes, the group of patients treated with intestinal tube showed significantly shorter time for surgical rehabilitation (4.8 ± 2.2 d vs 9.6 ± 4.8 d). Significant difference was registered in laboratory test results (P < 0.01). In the study group, the output of drainage and the length of hospital stay were significantly shorter compared to the control (P < 0.05). Nasointestinal decompression used in the surgical management of small intestinal obstruction with malignancy has significantly higher efficacy compared to nasogastric decompression.

Dealing with loss: food and eating in women with ovarian cancer on parenteral nutrition

Malignant bowel obstruction is a common complication of ovarian cancer, resulting in limited oral intake. Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) may be offered to patients in this condition to meet nutritional requirements. However, it is not known how they experience being unable to eat. The present study reports how patients related to food when receiving HPN. The investigation was a qualitative study underpinned by phenomenology with women with advanced ovarian cancer in bowel obstruction receiving parenteral nutrition. Interview transcripts were analysed thematicallyguided by the techniques of Van Manen. We recruited 20 women to the study. Participants were interviewed a maximum of four times and a total of 39 in-depth longitudinal interviews were conducted. Participants could tolerate minimal amounts of food, if they had a venting gastrostomy. Not being able to eat engendered a sense of sadness and loss, and most women found it challenging to be in the presence of otherseating. They adopted strategies to cope, which included fantasising about food and watching cookery programmes. These approaches were not a long-term solution; either participants came to terms with their loss or the strategies became less effective in providing relief. Home parenteral nutrition meets the nutritional requirements of patients with malignant bowel obstruction but cannot replace the non-nutritive functions of food. Healthcare professionals can offer a patient-centred approach by acknowledging the difficulties that patients may face and, wherever possible, encourage them to focus on the positive benefits of interacting with people rather than the loss of eating on social occasions.

Implementation of an EMR integrated pathway for the management of malignant bowel obstruction.

813 Background: Despite published evidence based interventions for malignant bowel obstruction (MBO), implementation of a standard pathway is challenging. We hypothesized that using industrial engineering techniques and a modified dynamic sustainability framework for implementation, we can implement an electronic medical record (EMR) based pathway in the management of MBO. Methods: A workflow in the management of MBO was developed using iterative meetings from 8/2018 to 4/2019 including gateway stakeholders (surgical oncology, gynecological oncology and medical oncology), interventional stakeholders (gastroenterology, interventional radiology) and supportive stakeholders (hospital medicine, palliative care, nutrition, nursing). Industrial engineers were utilized to study human factors, and perform a method study. EMR integration was performed using EPIC systems Agile MD pathway and educational materials were created. Interventions such as early placement of gastrostomy tubes, total parenteral nutrition and medications were protocolized. Results: Since implementation, over 6 months the pathway and order set has been activated 56 times. Orders have been employed 21 times through the AgileMD pathway demonstrating a pathway drift of 62.5%. Educational materials have been accessed routinely during this time. Conclusions: Feasibility of implementing an EMR integrated MBO pathway is demonstrated with early suggestion of pathway drift. Utilizing tools of implementation science are necessary to facilitate widespread adoption of evidence based interventions in the management of patients with MBO.

Long-term oncologic safety of self-expandable metal stent as a bridge to surgery for malignant colorectal obstruction: Our experience.

153 Background: About 10-25% patients of colorectal cancer suffer from acute colonic obstruction. Traditional management of acute malignant bowel obstruction has focused on emergency resection but showed high mortality and morbidity rates. Recently, placement of a self-expanding metal stent(SEMS) was widely used and SEMS seems to be as a safe and effective “bridge to surgery” and to offer good palliation. But there is concern about long-term survival after the use of SEMS. Theoretically, tumor cell seeding can occur due to mechanical force during the stent insertion. To identify this theoretical validity, we surveyed long-term survival of malignant colonic obstruction using SEMS placement. Methods: This retrospective study included 303 patients who presented in Korea University Anam Hospital between 2006 and 2014 with obstructing CRC, and underwent surgical resection. Patients were devided into two group: the “SEMS” group included 148 patients who underwent endoscopic stent as a bridge to surgery, and the surgery group included 155 patients who underwent emergency or elective surgery without stenting. In addition, candidates for curative resection were identified (98 patients in “SEMS” group vs 101 patients in “surgery” group). The clinicopathologic characteristics, overall survival(OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in demographics, tumor stage between the two group. The median follow-up times were 48.5 months (IQR, 19.1-73.1 months) for the SEMS group and 39.4 months (IQR, 15.1-39.4 months) for the surgery group. There was no significant difference in 5-year OS rate between two groups (59.6% vs 56.8%; p = 0.3). The 5-year RFS rate did not significantly differ between two groups (71.0% vs. 61.3%; p = 0.221). The long-term oncologic safety did not significantly differ between two groups in either the 5-year OS rate (79.5% vs 74.5%; P= 0.6). or the 5-year RFS rate (95.8% vs 95.8%; P = 0.3). Conclusions: SEMS as bridge to surgery in obstructive CRC did not worsen the long-term oncologic outcomes compared to those of the primary surgery.

Palliative Medical Management of Inoperable Malignant Bowel Obstruction with ‘Triple Therapy’: Dexamethasone, Octreotide, and Metoclopramide at a Comprehensive Cancer Center (S742)

Palliative Medical Management of Inoperable Malignant Bowel Obstruction with ‘Triple Therapy’: Dexamethasone, Octreotide, and Metoclopramide at a Comprehensive Cancer Center (S742)

Transanal drainage tubes vs metallic stents for acute malignant left-sided bowel obstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:The surgical management of acute malignant left-sided bowel obstruction is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, transanal drainage tubes (DTs) and metallic stents (MSs) used as a “bridge to surgery” have become widely used decompression methods compared with emergency surgery. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DTs and MSs for the decompression of acute left-sided malignant colorectal obstruction.Methods:All studies were acquired from PubMed, Medline, Embase, CNKI and the Cochrane Library. The data were extracted by two of the coauthors independently and were analyzed with RevMan5.3. Mean differences (MDs), odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used to assess the risk of bias.Results:Eleven studies, which included three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 8 observational studies, were assessed. The methodological quality of the trials ranged from low to moderate. The pooled results of the technical success rate showed that the difference was not statistically significant between the2 devises. The differences in clinical success rate, operative time and complications were statistically significant between MSs and DTs, and MSs were associated with a better clinical success rate, increased operative time and fewer complications. Sensitivity analysis proved the stability of the pooled results, and the publication bias was low.Conclusion:MS insertion for acute left-sided malignant bowel obstruction is effective and safe with a better technical success rate and with fewer complications than decompression using a DT, and MS insertion can avoid stoma formation. Moreover, MS insertion appears to be a useful treatment strategy for malignant colonic obstruction even if the lesion is located in the right colon. More large-sample, multicenter, high-quality RCTs are needed to verify the outcomes of this meta-analysis.

Nausea and Vomiting: a Palliative Care Imperative.

This review was undertaken to survey recent literature for research reports and comprehensive clinical reviews addressing the pharmacologic management of nausea and vomiting (N&V) in advanced cancer. The goal was to integrate findings in a comprehensive article that incorporates palliative care concepts into antiemetic treatment. There are few published studies of N&V in advanced cancer; such research may be limited by the multicausal nature of N&V and participant burden to patients with life-limiting disease. Most articles are written by oncologists who also specialize in palliative care, and those addressing adverse effects of drugs used as antiemetics are found in other literature. Articles addressing more novel therapies, like cannabinoids and medical marijuana, are uncommon in the oncology literature. N&V in patients with progressive or advanced cancer is often multicausal. Nausea is more common and persistent, and even mild nausea is bothersome and may cause anxiety or depression. The mechanisms of nausea and vomiting overlap, but different neural pathways constitute the final pathway for each-the brainstem for vomiting and higher brain regions for nausea. Common causes of N&V in advanced cancer include constipation, opioids, and malignant bowel obstruction. About 40% have undetermined causes and may be exacerbated by impaired gastric emptying, chemical imbalances, or other factors. Several drugs that have antiemetic effects and act at different receptors are used to palliate N&V. There is a paucity of research that supports palliative antiemetic choices, and other research is needed to define potential therapeutic strategies that capitalize on differences between nausea and vomiting.

Two cases of percutaneous transesophageal gastro-tubing insertion for the improvement of QOL against malignant bowel obstruction

Two cases of percutaneous transesophageal gastro-tubing insertion for the improvement of QOL against malignant bowel obstruction

Malignant bowel obstruction in recurrent gynecologic cancers: who will benefit from palliative surgical intervention?

Malignant bowel obstruction in recurrent gynecologic cancers: who will benefit from palliative surgical intervention?

Topical issues of diagnosis and treatment of acute malignant large bowel obstruction

Topical issues of diagnosis and treatment of acute malignant large bowel obstruction

Результаты профилактики гнойно-септических осложнений при оперативном лечении больных пожилого возраста с субкомпенсированной кишечной непроходимостью опухолевой этиологии

Результаты профилактики гнойно-септических осложнений при оперативном лечении больных пожилого возраста с субкомпенсированной кишечной непроходимостью опухолевой этиологии

Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Patients who Underwent Palliative Surgery for Malignant Bowel Obstruction due to Peritoneal Dissemination

Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Patients who Underwent Palliative Surgery for Malignant Bowel Obstruction due to Peritoneal Dissemination

Intractable small-bowel obstruction due to urothelial cell carcinoma metastasis to the distal ileum: A rare cause of malignant bowel obstruction

Most patients with partial intestinal obstruction can be managed without surgical intervention. Here, we report the case of a patient who presented with partial intestinal obstruction. He had been diagnosed with high-grade urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) 1.5 years previously, for which the surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy had been successfully performed. He showed a poor response to medical treatment for the partial intestinal obstruction, and surgery provided only a short-term benefit. Such cases of intractable small-bowel obstruction are infrequent and pose a challenge to clinicians. Although very rare, the possibility of UCC metastasis to the gastrointestinal tract should be considered in the differential diagnosis of refractory intestinal obstruction and history of UCC.

Palliative home parenteral nutrition in patients with ovarian cancer and malignant bowel obstruction: experiences of women and family caregivers

BackgroundMalnutrition is a problem in advanced cancer, particularly ovarian cancer where malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a frequent complication. Parenteral nutrition is the only way these patients can received adequate nutrition and is a principal indication for palliative home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Giving HPN is contentious as it may increase the burden on patients. This study investigates patients’ and family caregivers’ experiences of HPN, alongside nutritional status and survival in patients with ovarian cancer and MBO.MethodsThis mixed methods study collected data on participant characteristics, clinical details and body composition using computed tomography (CT) combined with longitudinal in-depth interviews underpinned by phenomenological principles. The cohort comprised 38 women with ovarian cancer and inoperable MBO admitted (10/2016 to 12/ 2017) to a tertiary referral hospital. Longitudinal interviews (n = 57) were carried out with 20 women considered for HPN and 13 of their family caregivers.ResultsOf the 38 women, 32 received parenteral nutrition (PN) in hospital and 17 were discharged on HPN. Nutritional status was poor with 31 of 33 women who had a CT scan having low muscle mass, although 10 were obese. Median overall survival from admission with MBO for all 38 women was 70 days (range 8–506) and for those 17 on HPN was 156 days (range 46–506).Women experienced HPN as one facet of their illness, but viewed it as a “lifeline” that allowed them to live outside hospital. Nevertheless, HPN treatment came with losses including erosion of normality through an impact on activities of daily living and dealing with the bureaucracy surrounding the process. Family caregivers coped but were often left in an emotionally vulnerable state.ConclusionsWomen and family caregivers reported that the inconvenience and disruption caused by HPN was worth the extended time they had at home.

Endoscopic stenting in colorectal cancer.

Acute malignant large bowel obstruction presents as one of the few emergencies of colorectal cancer (CRC). Management of this condition can either be by (I) upfront surgery or (II) the use of self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) as a bridge to elective surgery. For patients with metastasis, the use of SEMS is reported to enable earlier commencement of chemotherapy. Although the use of SEMS in patients with acute malignant large bowel obstruction looks promising, it is plagued by its own set of complications and divided opinion over its long-term outcomes. Conflicting data are present, and definitive indication requires further evaluation and debate. This article will describe the typical presentation of patients with acute malignant large bowel obstruction. An introduction to the SEMS insertion procedural steps will be undertaken. Following which the article aims to review the safety profile of SEMS and the short- and long-term outcomes of SEMS in both the curative and palliative setting.