Metal Stent Placement Research Articles

Is stenting really necessary during primary angioplasty for portal vein stenosis after pediatric liver transplantation?

To the editor, The paper by Bukova et al.1 that was published on liver transplantation dangerously questions the possibility of effectively treating portal vein stenosis after pediatric liver transplantation without the need for primary stenting. In a retrospective cohort of a total of 470 pediatric liver transplants performed in a single center from 2004 to 2020, they reported very positive outcomes with a mean follow-up of 5.7 years and they concluded that primary stent angioplasty should be considered as first-line treatment for portal vein stenosis after pediatric LT. In our opinion, this data must be considered with caution in pediatric patients who have a much longer life expectancy after liver transplantation. The placement of metal stents in pediatric patients hinders the possibility of future re-transplantation due to the technical challenges of performing new vascular anastomoses on vessels engaged with unremovable metal devices. We believe that Liver Transplantation readers should be aware that there is quite sufficient evidence to claim that simple angioplasty is advisable rather than primary stent angioplasty to treat pediatric posttransplantation portal vein stenosis. Excellent mid-term and long-term outcomes are reported by several studies.2–5 More data will be made available by the international PORTAL registry sponsored by the University of Groningen, involving more than 30 liver transplant centers all over the world. Registry completion and results publication are expected in a few months.

Bilateral stent-in-stent placement of biliary metal stents with a slim delivery system through an ultraslim endoscope.

Bilateral stent-in-stent placement of biliary metal stents with a slim delivery system through an ultraslim endoscope.

Lumen-apposing metal stent placement after endoscopic ultrasound-guided duodenojejunal anastomosis for direct access to excluded jejunal limb: findings after 5 years.

Lumen-apposing metal stent placement after endoscopic ultrasound-guided duodenojejunal anastomosis for direct access to excluded jejunal limb: findings after 5 years.

Endoscopic Management of Postoperative Esophageal and Upper GI Defects-A Narrative Review.

Anastomotic defects are deleterious complications after either oncologic or bariatric surgery, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Besides surgical revision in early stages or instable patients, endoscopic treatment has become the mainstay. To date, many options for endoscopic treatment in this setting exist, including fully covered metal stent placement, endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT), endoscopic internal drainage with pigtail placement (EID), leak closure with through the scope or over the scope clips, endoluminal suturing, fibrin glue sealing and a combination of all these techniques. Current evidence is mostly based on retrospective single and multicenter studies. No guidelines exist in this important field. Treatment options have to be chosen upon each case individually, taking into account clinical and anatomic criteria, such as timing, size, infectious wound complications and hemodynamic stability. Local expertise and availability of treatment devices need to be taken into account whenever choosing a treatment strategy. This review aimed to present current treatment options in terms of effectiveness, advantages and disadvantages in order to guide the clinician for his decision making. Additionally, we aimed to provide a treatment algorithm.

Outcomes according to treatment modalities as a bridge to curative surgery for malignant obstruction of the proximal colon: stent versus stoma.

The optimal treatment for acute malignant obstruction of the proximal colon (MOPC, proximal to the splenic flexure) remains challenging. Emergency resection, the traditional modality for MOPC, has shown significantly high mortality and morbidity rates, according to recent studies. This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of stent vs stoma as a bridge to curative surgery for MOPC. This retrospective cohort study included 72 patients who underwent endoscopic placement of a self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) or loop ileostomy for MOPC at six referral centers between January 2011 and July 2021. Clinical and pathological characteristics, procedure-related complications, and long-term mortality rates after curative surgery were analyzed. During a mean follow-up period of 32 months, 30 patients (41.7%) underwent ileostomy preferentially for more proximal cancer, complete obstruction, and advanced tumor stage compared to the SEMS group. No difference was found in procedure-related complications, but five deaths were observed after ileostomy. Survival analysis for 5-year mortality after curative surgery showed no significant difference between the bridge modalities (log-rank p = 0.253). In this study, SEMS as a bridge to surgery showed relatively safe results in terms of post-procedural mortality. However, these results should be considered when performing ileostomy in patients with more advanced malignant obstruction.

Impact of endoscopic metallic stent placement and emergency surgery on detection of viable circulating tumor cells for acute malignant left-sided colonic obstruction

BackgroundSelf-expanding metal stents (SEMS) served as a bridge to surgery (BTS). However, this method may be associated with worse long-term prognosis and relapse of CRC patients. Therefore, we attempted to clarify this in the angle of circulating tumor cells (CTCs).MethodsA multicenter study was performed from March 2018 to January 2021. Thirty-two colorectal cancer patients with obstruction were selected, of which 21 patients were performed SEMS as a BTS while 11 patients were performed emergency surgery. Bloods samples were collected in two groups of patients for further detecting CTCs. In the SEMS group, the samples were collected before and after stent insert and after radical surgery performed. In the ES group, the samples were collected before stent insert and after emergency surgery performed.ResultsThe number of CTCs did not show statistically significant differences before and after stent placement (34.90 vs 38.33, p=0.90), neither between the SEMS group and ES group in initial CTC levels (34.90 vs 58.09, p=0.394). No significant differences (38.33 vs 58.09, p=0.632) were observed after stent insert in the SMES group and the initial CTC levels in the ES group. Moreover, no major differences (24.17 vs 42.27, p=0.225) were observed after radical operation performed in both groups.ConclusionThe treatment of SEMS does not cause an increase in the number of CTC after stent insertion. Furthermore, there are may be other factors besides CTC to cause these poorer oncologic outcomes after SEMS placement.

Effectiveness of Double-J Metallic Mesh Ureteral Stents for Malignant Ureteral Obstruction: A Retrospective Study.

Malignant ureteral obstruction is associated with high rates of failure with traditional ureteral stents. Double-J metallic mesh ureteral stent is one of the latest options for treating malignant ureteral obstruction. However, data regarding the efficacy of using this stent in this context are limited. Thus, we retrospectively investigated the efficacy of this stent. We retrospectively analyzed the records of all patients who required double-J metallic mesh ureteral stent placement for malignant ureteral obstruction at Ishikawa Prefectural Central Hospital (Kanazawa, Japan) between October 2018 and April 2022. Primary stent patency was defined as complete or partial resolution of hydronephrosis as shown by imaging studies or successful removal of a preexisting nephrostomy tube. Stent failure was defined as unplanned stent exchange or nephrostomy tube placement for signs or symptoms of recurrent ureteral obstruction. A competing risk model was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of stent failure. Double-J metallic mesh ureteral stents were placed in 63 ureters of 44 patients (13 males, 31 females). The median age of patients was 67 years (range=37-92 years). There was no grade 3 or higher complications. The overall primary patency rate was 95% (60 ureters). Stent failure occurred in seven patients (11%) during follow-up. The cumulative incidence of stent failure at 12 months after placement was 17.3%. Double-J metallic mesh ureteral stent is a safe, simple, and promising treatment option for malignant ureteral obstruction.

Immediate and long-term outcomes of a self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant dysphagia: a 15-year single-center experience

Immediate and long-term outcomes of a self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant dysphagia: a 15-year single-center experience

Does a coaxial double pigtail stent reduce adverse events after lumen apposing metal stent placement for pancreatic fluid collections? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lumen apposing metal stents (LAMSs) have a higher clinical success rate for managing pancreatic fluid collections. But they are associated with adverse events (AEs) like bleeding, migration, buried stent, occlusion, and infection. It has been hypothesized that placing a double pigtail stent (DPS) within LAMS may mitigate these AEs. The present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to compare the outcome and AEs associated with LAMS with or without a coaxial DPS (LAMS-DPS). A comprehensive literature search of three databases from January 2010 to August 2022 was conducted for studies comparing the outcome and AEs of LAMS alone and LAMS-DPS. Pooled incidence and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for all the dichotomous outcomes. Overall, eight studies (n = 460) were included in the final analysis. The clinical success rate (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.87-1.14) and the risk of overall AEs (RR 1.60, 95% CI: 0.95-2.68) remained comparable between both groups. There was no difference in the risk of bleeding between LAMS alone and LAMS-DPS (RR 1.80, 95% CI: 0.83-3.88). Individual analysis of other AEs, including infection, stent migration, occlusion, and reintervention, showed no difference in the risk between both procedures. The present meta-analysis shows that coaxial DPS within LAMS may not reduce AE rates or improve clinical outcomes. Further larger studies, including patients with walled-off necrosis, are required to demonstrate the benefit of coaxial DPS within LAMS.

Colonic stent for bridge to surgery for acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction: A review of the literature after 2020

It has been found that 8%-29% of colorectal cancers are obstructive. The use of "stent as bridge to surgery" is one of the most debated topics in obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer management. The endoscopic placement of a self-expanding metallic stent as bridge to surgery (BTS) could turn an emergency surgery to an elective one, increasing the number of primary anastomoses instead of stoma and facilitating the laparoscopic approach instead of an open one. However, in recent years the possible risk of perforations and microperforations facilitating cancer spread related to the use of self-expanding metallic stent for BTS has been highlighted. Therefore, despite the useful short-term outcomes related to BTS, the recent literature has focused on long-term outcomes investigating the disease-free survival, the recurrence rate and the overall survival. Due to discordant data, international guidelines are still conflicting, and the debate is still open. There is not agreement about using self-expanding metallic stent for BTS as the gold standard.

Outcomes of Palliative Colonic Stent Placement in Malignant Colonic Obstruction: Experience from a Tertiary Care Oncology Center in India

Abstract Introduction Colonic self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) placement is the preferred method for palliation of malignant colonic obstruction. We analyzed outcomes of patients who underwent colonic SEMS placement for palliation at a tertiary care oncology center in Western India. Methods Retrospective review of the endoscopy database was done for patients who underwent colonic SEMS placement at our center between January 2013 and September 2021. Demographic details, intent of stent placement, site of obstruction, length of stricture, technical success of stenting, clinical success, and complications (both immediate and long term) were noted. Results Sixty-one patients underwent colonic SEMS placement during the study period (mean age 53.6 years, 50.7% men). Obstruction was due to primary colonic malignancy in 43 (70.5%) patients and extracolonic malignancies in 18 (29.5%) patients. Most common extracolonic malignancy was gallbladder cancer in 8 (44.4%) patients. Most common site of obstruction was sigmoid colon in 18 (29.5%) patients. Proximal colonic obstruction was seen in 17 (27.9%) patients. Peritoneal metastases were seen in 26 (42.6%) patients. Colonoscopy revealed an impassable stenosis in 58 (95.1%) patients. Median length of stricture was 5 cm (range 2–9 cm). Technical success was achieved in 98.3% (60/61). Clinical success was achieved in 51 (86.4%) patients. Perforation during colonic SEMS placement was seen in 2 (3.4%) patients. Stent migration was seen in 3 (5.9%) patients, needing surgery for retrieval in all 3 patients. Over a median follow-up of 9 months (0–21 months), stent block was seen in 7 (13.7%) patients. Stent block developed after a median period of 6 months. Of these patients, three patients underwent SEMS placement within the SEMS and the other four patients underwent surgery. Conclusion Colonic SEMS placement achieves good palliation of malignant colonic obstruction in approximately 87% patients. Long-term complications like obstruction occur in a few patients after a median duration of 6 months.

925: ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE WITH PNEUMOTHORAX DUE TO ESOPHAGOPLEURAL FISTULA AND ESOPHAGEAL CARCINOMA

Introduction: Esophagopleural (EPF) is a rare but serious condition that may occur secondary to esophageal instrumentation, malignancy, or as a complication following surgical thoracic procedures. The unfamiliarity of this condition, along with non-specific clinical presentations and elusive imaging makes it a diagnostic challenge. We present an interesting case of EPF causing acute respiratory failure. Description: A 58-year-old female with 40-pack-year smoking history was diagnosed with esophageal carcinoma and presented with dysphagia, shortness of breath, and hematemesis. On arrival, the patient was hypoxic and hypercarbic (PCO2 60mmHg) and in frank respiratory distress requiring intubation and admission to the ICU. Chest x-ray showed a large right pneumothorax and left lung consolidation. A right chest tube was placed, and broad-spectrum antibiotics were started. CT chest with oral contrast revealed contrast extravasation into the bilateral mainstem bronchi, and an esophageal bronchial fistulous communication between the esophageal mass and right pleural space. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed with the placement of an esophageal metallic stent. 2 days later, the patient was extubated to nasal cannula and the chest tube was subsequently removed. Discussion: EPF is an uncommon condition despite the proximity of the trachea and esophagus. Anatomically, the esophagus is in direct contact with the pleura for a considerable distance on the right side, whereas on the left side, the aorta lies in between the esophagus and the pleura, except for a short distance just above the diaphragm. Thus, processes in the esophagus can spread more easily into the right side of the pleura rather than the left as in our patient. In patients with esophageal cancer, the incidence of EPF is 5-15%. Radiological signs of EPF depend upon the site, duration, and severity of perforation; and more importantly, the integrity of the pleura. Esophagographic studies may confirm the presence of EPF, although rarely indicated in the era of CT. Therapeutic strategies for EPF include micro-invasive treatment guided by endoscopy, stent implantation and surgery. Stent placement has a high success rate and is the most used modality given the high morbidity and mortality associated with surgery.

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.

Endoscopic transpapillary drainage for walled-off pancreatic necrosis with complete main pancreatic duct disruption by metallic stent placement: A retrospective study.

Walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) is a serious complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) and may lead to disruption of the main pancreatic duct (MPD). Endoscopic passive transpapillary drainage (PTD) is an effective method for treating MPD disruptions. However, WOPN with complete MPD disruption is usually accompanied by disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS), especially with infected necrosis. Endoscopic PTD with a fully covered self-expanding metallic stent (FCSEMS) and a plastic stent placement may have the potential for future application in treating complete MPD disruption in patients with WOPN. Patients with WOPN caused by ANP were classified according to the 2012 Atlanta classification and definition. In all patients, ERCP was performed 2 times. First, 3 patients were diagnosed with complete MPD disruption by ERCP. At the time of diagnosis, a plastic pancreatic stent (7Fr) was placed. Second, they underwent endoscopic PTD for WOPN with complete MPD disruption in which an FCSEMS and plastic stent placement were the only access routes to the necrotic cavity. The etiology of pancreatitis in these patients was of biliary, lipogenic, and alcoholic origin. The WOPN lesion size ranged from 6.5 to 10.2 cm in this study, and the type of WOPN was mixed in two cases and central in one case. The type of MPD disruption was complete in all three patients. The locations of disruption included the pancreatic body and head. The time from occurrence to the first ERCP was 18, 23, and 26 days, respectively. The main symptoms were abdominal pain, abdominal distention, fever, gastrointestinal obstruction, and/or weight loss. The three patients with symptomatic WOPN and MPD disruption underwent endoscopic PTD with FCSEMS and plastic pancreatic stent placement. Technical and therapeutic successes were achieved in 3/3 of patients. The mean time of stenting was 28-93 days. The clinical symptoms connected with WOPN and collection disappeared postoperatively in all three patients. During the follow-up period of 4-18 months, no patient developed collection recurrence or other complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or reinfection. All patients recovered uneventfully. In patients with WOPN with complete MPD disruption, endoscopic PTD with FCSEMSs and plastic stent placement may be an effective and safe method of treatment.

In-stent radiofrequency ablation with uncovered metal stent placement for tumor ingrowth/overgrowth causing self-expandable metal stent occlusion in distal malignant biliary obstruction: multicenter propensity score–matched study

In patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (MBO), endoscopic drainage with a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is a well-established treatment, but stent patency is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of in-stent radiofrequency ablation (IS-RFA) followed by uncovered SEMS placement for the management of occluded SEMSs. From 2016 to 2020, 48 patients with recurrent biliary obstruction due to tumor ingrowth or overgrowth after SEMS placement for pancreatobiliary cancer in 3 tertiary hospitals were analyzed. For distal MBO, patients in the RFA group were treated with IS-RFA and uncovered SEMS placement, and those in the control group were treated with uncovered SEMS placement alone. Patients in both groups were matched on the basis of propensity scores in a 1:1 ratio. The median time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO) was 117 days in the RFA group and 82.5 days in the control group (P= .029). No significant differences in median overall survival were detected between the 2 groups (170 days vs 72 days; P= .902). No significant adverse events were reported after the second SEMS placement in either group, but 2 cases of mild cholangitis were reported in the control group. Ablation was interrupted in 5 patients (35.7%) of the RFA group owing to in-stent contact, but sufficient ablative energy was delivered in the majority of the patients (92.9%) after IS-RFA was repeated in the same session. IS-RFA followed by an uncovered SEMS is safe and feasible and may improve TRBO as a stent revision for occluded SEMSs in pancreatobiliary cancer.

Efficacy and safety of self-expandable metal stent placement for treatment of primary and metastatic gastric outlet obstruction.

The data of 42 patients with GOO who received SEMS from November 2016 to April 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into primary group (n = 25) and metastatic group (n = 17) according to the cause of GOO. The rates of technical and clinical success, stent patency, and complications were compared between the two groups. The overall technical and clinical success rates were 97.9% and 93.5%, respectively. The total SEMS implantation time was 48.2 ± 33.5 (10.0-140.0) minutes. The primary technical success rate was 100.0% in both primary and metastatic groups, and the primary clinical success rate was 96.0% (24/25) in the primary group vs 88.2% (15/17) in the metastatic group (P = 0.350). After reintervention, the secondary technical success rate was 100.0% (27/27) in the primary group vs 95.0% (19/20) in the metastatic group (P = 0.330); and the secondary clinical success rate was 96.3% (26/27) in the primary group vs 89.5% (17/19) in the metastatic group (P = 0.367). No serious complications, such as gastrointestinal perforation, stent migration, bleeding, or aspiration pneumonia, were observed in these patients. SEMS under fluoroscopic guidance is an effective and safe treatment for primary and metastatic GOO. The etiology of obstruction did not influence stent patency or complications. Therefore, stent implantation is recommended for patients with metastatic GOO caused by multiple peritoneal metastases to improve their quality of life.

Response to "The second shot to walled-off necrosis: The sooner the better versus sooner or later".

We appreciate Sato et al's interest in our study. There has been conflicting evidence on the optimal timing of direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN).1 In a study by Yan et al., the number of necrosectomies required to achieve resolution was fewer in patients undergoing immediate DEN. In addition, in multivariable analysis, DEN at the time of initial lumen apposing metal stent placement was the only positive predictor for decreasing time to clinical success.2 One concern raised by Sato et al. was using the length of stay as a surrogate marker of treatment success. In our study, systemic inflammatory response syndrome was present in almost all patients at some point in the disease course (95% immediate DEN group and 100% delayed DEN group). However, patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome within 1 week of drainage underwent dDEN. This group of patients not only had a shorter length of stay in the hospital after initial stent placement but also required fewer overall necrosectomies. The authors requested additional markers of treatment success including time to clinical success and avoidance of DEN altogether. Clinical success was defined as a lack of symptoms and a decrease in collection size to less than 2 cm at which time the lumen apposing metal stent was promptly removed. The average time to clinical success was not statistically significant in the two groups (immediate DEN 40.0 days [SD 24.7] vs. delayed DEN 44.3 days [SD 24.0], p = 0.45). In addition, all patients in our study had necrosis greater than 10% and underwent at least one necrosectomy. A randomized controlled trial would further validate these results and eliminate biases innate to its retrospective design. Dr Rishi Pawa is a consultant for Boston Scientific.

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.

Examining the efficacy and safety of endobiliary radiofrequency ablation for ingrowth occlusion after metal stent placement using a bovine model

Background Although endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be an option for the treatment of ingrowth occlusion after self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) deployment, its utility remains uncertain. This study aimed to clarify its utility and safety using bovine liver. Methods A prototype multifunctional RFA catheter and conventional uncovered SEMS were employed in this experimental study. We devised three model types: the ingrowth-ablation, ingrowth-ablation with stent-wire contact (created such that the electrodes were in contact with the metal stent-wire), and standard-ablation models (control). The study outcome was the ablation depth associated with RFA, which was compared among the three models. Results Thirty-six ablation procedures were conducted (12 for each of the 3 models). In the unipolar mode, the median ablation depth with the stent-wire contact model (1.0 mm) was significantly lower than that of the ingrowth-ablation (2.0 mm, p = 0.005) and standard-ablation models (2.3 mm, p = 0.004). There was no significant difference between the ingrowth-ablation and standard-ablation models (p = 0.563). In the bipolar mode, the median ablation depth with the stent-wire contact model (1.0 mm) was also significantly lower than that of the ingrowth-ablation (2.1 mm, p = 0.008) and standard-ablation models (2.0 mm, p = 0.011), and there was no significant difference between the ingrowth-ablation and standard-ablation models (p = 0.807). Scorching around the stent-wire was not observed in any specimen. Conclusions In this ex vivo study, endobiliary RFA for ingrowth occlusion can be considered a useful modality, but the ablation effect is diminished when the electrode comes into contact with the stent-wire.

Short-term effect of different time interval between self-expanding metallic stent and surgery for left-sided malignant colorectal obstruction

BackgroundThe optimal time interval between self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) placement and surgery in patients with left-sided malignant colorectal obstruction (LMCO) remains controversial. Intestinal obstruction and SEMS placement would lead to intestinal edema, local tumor infiltration, and fibrosis, which may have a certain impact on elective surgery. Although prolong time interval would reduce relative complications, the risk of tumor progression must be taken into account. Therefore, our study proposes whether there is a difference in short-term postoperative complication outcomes between waiting for an interval of ≤4weeks compared with an extended interval for neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery.MethodsAll patients who underwent SEMS placement as BTS treatment for LMCO between January 2012 and December 2021 were retrospectively identified. The primary outcomes of this study were short-term clinical postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grading ≥II).ResultsOf the 148 patients, 70.27% of patients underwent surgery ≤4 weeks of SEMS placement (Group 1) while 29.73% of patients underwent surgery >4 weeks of SEMS placement (Group 2). After SEMS placement, the patients in Group 2 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and then elective surgery. Significant differences were observed between both groups (Group 2 vs Group 1) for postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grading ≥II, 2.3% vs 14.4%, p=0.040), postoperative bowel function time (p<0.001), postoperative hospital stay (p=0.028) and total hospital stay (p=0.002).ConclusionsA bridging interval of >4 weeks between SEMS placement and surgery for LMCO has better short-term clinical outcome.