Safety and efficacy of Kaffes intraductal self-expanding metal stents in the management of post-liver transplant anastomotic strictures

BACKGROUND Endoscopic management is the first-line therapy for post-liver-transplant anas-tomotic strictures.Although the optimal duration of treatment with plastic stents has been reported to be 8-12 months,data on safety and duration for metal stents in this setting is scarce.Due to limited access to endoscopic retrograde cholan-giopancreatography(ERCP)during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in our centre,there was a change in practice towards increased usage and length-of-stay of the Kaffes biliary intraductal self-expanding stent in patients with suitable anatomy.This was mainly due to the theoretical benefit of Kaffes stents allowing for longer indwelling periods compared to the traditional plastic stents.METHODS Adult liver transplant recipients aged 18 years and above who underwent ERCP were retrospectively identified during a 10-year period through a database query.Unplanned admissions post-Kaffes stent insertion were identified manually through electronic and scanned medical records.The main outcome was the incidence of complications when stents were left indwelling for 3 months vs 6 months.Stent efficacy was calculated via rates of stricture recurrence between patients that had stenting courses for≤120 d or>120 d.RESULTS During the study period,a total of 66 ERCPs with Kaffes insertion were performed in 54 patients throughout their stenting course.In 33 ERCPs,the stent was removed or exchanged on a 3-month interval.No pancreatitis,perfor-ations or deaths occurred.Minor post-ERCP complications were similar between the 3-month(abdominal pain and intraductal migration)and 6-month(abdominal pain,septic shower and embedded stent)groups-6.1%vs 9.1%respectively,P=0.40.All strictures resolved at the end of the stenting course,but the stenting course was variable from 3 to 22 months.The recurrence rate for stenting courses lasting for up to 120 d was 71.4%and 21.4%for stenting courses of 121 d or over(P=0.03).There were 28 patients that were treated with a single ERCP with Kaffes,21 with removal after 120 d and 7 within 120 d.There was a significant improvement in stricture recurrence when the Kaffes was removed after 120 d when a single ERCP was used for the entire stenting course(71.0%vs 10.0%,P=0.01).CONCLUSION Utilising a single Kaffes intraductal fully-covered metal stent for at least 4 months is safe and efficacious for the management of post-transplant anastomotic strictures.

Resolution of an esophageal leak and posterior gastric wall necrosis with esophageal self-expandable metal stents

The use of weight reduction surgeries has increased over the years with a higher proportion of these surgeries being sleeve gastrectomies,this has been associated with some complications including staple line leaks.We report a 32-year-old male who had undergone a laparoscopic gastric band surgery and subsequently a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy,this was complicated by both an staple line leak at the gastroesophageal junction as well as a large(> 4 cm) posterior gastric wall defect due to gastric wall necrosis. We used two co-axially inserted self-expandable stents(SEMS) in the management of this patient,5 stents were used over repeated endoscopy sessions and 20 wk. Both defects had resolved without the need for surgical intervention.This is the first reported case were SEMS are used for both a staple line leak as well as a gastric wall defect.We also review the literature on the use of SEMS in the management of leaks post weight reduction surgeries.

Clinical outcomes of self-expandable stent placement for benign esophageal diseases: A pooled analysis of the literature

AIM: To analyze the outcomes of self-expandable stent placement for benign esophageal strictures and benign esophageal leaks in the literature.METHODS: The Pub Med, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles published between January 2000 and July 2014. Eight prospective studies were identified that analyzed the outcomes of stent placement for refractory benign esophageal strictures. The outcomes of stent placement for benign esophageal leaks, perforations and fistulae were extracted from 20 retrospective studies that were published after the inclusion period of a recent systematic review. Data were pooled and analyzed using descriptive statistics.RESULTS: Fully covered self-expandable metal stents(FC SEMS)(n = 85), biodegradable(BD) stents(n = 77) and self-expandable plastic stents(SEPS)(n = 70) were inserted in 232 patients with refractory benign esophageal strictures. The overall clinical success rate was 24.2% and according to stent type 14.1% for FC SEMS, 32.9% for BD stents and 27.1% for SEPS. Stent migration occurred in 24.6% of cases. The overall complication rate was 31.0%, including major(17.7%) and minor(13.4%) complications. A total of 643 patients were treated with self-expandable stents mainly for postsurgical leaks(64.5%), iatrogenic perforations(19.6%), Boerhaave's syndrome(7.8%) and fistulae(3.7%). FC SEMS and partially covered SEMS were used in the majority of patients. Successful closure of the defect was achieved in 76.8% of patients and according to etiology in 81.4% for postsurgical leaks, 86.0% for perforations and 64.7% for fistulae. The pooled stent migration rate was 16.5%. Stent-related complications occurred in 13.4% of patients, including major(7.8%) and minor(5.5%) complications.CONCLUSION: The outcomes of stent placement for refractory benign esophageal strictures were poor. However, randomized trials are needed to put this into perspective. The evidence on successful stent placement for benign esophageal leaks, perforationsand fistulae is promising.

Successful endoscopic removal of three embedded esophageal self-expanding metal stents

In the report,we describe a case of refractory benign esophageal strictures from esophageal cancer after an operation for the placement of three partially covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs),which were all embedded in the esophageal wall.Using the stentin-stent technique,the three embedded SEMSs were successfully removed without significant complications.To the best of our knowledge,few cases of the successful removal of multiple embedded esophageal SEMSs have been reported in the literature.This case also highlights that the stent-in-stent technique is effective for removing multiple embedded esophageal SEMSs.

Covered self expandable metallic stent with flared plastic one inside for pancreatic pseudocyst avoiding stent dislodgement

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage has recently been recommended for increasing the drainage rate of endoscopically managed pancreatic fluid collections and decreasing the morbidity associated with conventional endoscopic trans-mural drainage. The type of stent used for endoscopic drainage is currently a major area of interest. A covered self expandable metallic stent (CSEMS) is an alternative to conventional drainage with plastic stents because it offers the option of providing a larger-diameter access fi stula for drainage, and may increase the fi nal success rate. One problem with CSEMS is dislodgement, so a metallic stent with flared or looped ends at both extremities may be the best option. An 85-year-old woman with severe comorbidity was treated with percutaneous approach for a large (20 cm) pancreatic pseudocyst with corpuscolated material inside. This approach failed. The patient was transferred to our institute for EUS-guided transmural drainage. EUS confi rmed a large, anechoic cyst with hyperechoic material inside. Because the cyst was large and contained mixed and corpusculated fluid, we used a metallic stent for drainage. To avoid migration of the stent and potential mucosal growth above the stent, a plastic prosthesis (7 cm, 10 Fr) with flaps at the tips was inserted inside the CSEMS. Two months later an esophagogastroduodenoscopy was done, and showed patency of the SEMS and plastic stents, which were then removed with a polypectomy snare. The patient experienced no further problems.

Self-expandable metallic stent placement plus laparoscopy for acute malignant colorectal obstruction

AIM:To investigate the clinical advantages of the stent-laparoscopy approach to treat colorectal cancer(CRC)patients with acute colorectal obstruction(ACO).METHODS:From April 2008 to April 2012,surgeryrelated parameters,complications,overall survival(OS),and disease-free survival(DFS)of 74 consecutive patients with left-sided CRC presented with ACO who underwent self-expandable metallic stent(SEMS)placement followed by one-stage open(n=58)or laparoscopic resection(n=16)were evaluated retrospectively.The stent-laparoscopy group was also compared with a control group of 96 CRC patients who underwent regular laparoscopy without ACO between January 2010 and December 2011 to explore whether SEMS placement influenced the laparoscopic procedure or reduced long-term survival by influencing CRC oncological characteristics.RESULTS:The characteristics of patients among these groups were comparable.The rate of conversion to open surgery was 12.5%in the stent-laparoscopy group.Bowel function recovery and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter(3.3±0.9 d vs 4.2±1.5 d and 6.7±1.1 d vs 9.5±6.7 d,P=0.016 and P=0.005),and surgical time was significantly longer(152.1±44.4 min vs 127.4±38.4 min,P=0.045)in the stent-laparoscopy group than in the stent-open group.Surgery-related complications and the rate of admission to the intensive care unit were lower in the stent-laparoscopy group.There were no significant differences in the interval between stenting and surgery,intraoperative blood loss,OS,and DFS between the two stent groups.Compared with those in the stentlaparoscopy group,all surgery-related parameters,complications,OS,and DFS in the control group were comparable.CONCLUSION:The stent-laparoscopy approach is a feasible,rapid,and minimally invasive option for patients with ACO caused by left-sided CRC and can achieve a favorable long-term prognosis.

Fully covered self-expandable metal stents for treatment of malignant and benign biliary strictures

AIM:To present a series of covered self-expandable metal stents(CSEMS) placed for different indications and to evaluate the effectiveness,complications and extractability of these devices.METHODS:We therefore retrospectively reviewed the courses of patients who received CSEMS due to malignant as well as benign biliary strictures and postsphincterotomy bleeding in our endoscopic unit between January 2010 and October 2011.RESULTS:Twenty-six patients received 28 stents due to different indications(20 stents due to malignant biliary strictures,six stents due to benign biliary strictures and two stents due to post-sphincterotomy bleeding).Biliary obstruction was relieved in all cases,regardless of the underlying cause.Hemostasis could be achieved in the two patients who received the stents for this purpose.Complications occurred in five patients(18%).Two patients(7%) developed cholecystitis,stents dislocated/migrated in other two patients(7%),and in one patient(3.6%) stent occlusion was documented during the study period.Seven stents were extracted endoscopically.Removal of stents was easily possible in all cases in which it was desired using standard forceps.Twelve patients underwent surgery with pylorus preserving duodenopancreatectomy.In all patients stents could be removed during the operation without difficulties.CONCLUSION:Despite the higher costs of these devices,fully covered self-expanding metal stents may be suitable to relief biliary obstruction due to bile duct stenosis,regardless of the underlying cause.CSEMS may also represent an effective treatment strategy of severe post-sphincterotomy bleeding,not controlled by other measures.

Self-expandable metal stents in patients with postoperative delayed gastric emptying after distal gastrectomy

AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic stent insertion in patients with delayed gastric emptying after gastrectomy.METHODS In this study, we prospectively collected data from patients who underwent stent placement for delayed gastric emptying(DGE) after distal gastrectomy between June 2010 and April 2017, at a tertiary referral academic center. Clinical improvement, complications, and consequences after stent insertion were analyzed.RESULTS Technical success was achieved in all patients(100%). Early symptom improvement was observed in 15 of 20 patients(75%) and clinical success was achieved in all patients. Mean follow-up period was 1178.3 ± 844.1 d and median stent maintenance period was 51 d(range 6-2114 d). During the follow-up period, inserted stents were passed spontaneously per rectum without any complications in 14 of 20 patients(70%). Symptom improvement was maintained after stent placement without the requirement of any additional intervention in 19 of 20 patients(95%).CONCLUSION Endoscopic stent placement provides prompt relief of obstructive symptoms. Thus, it can be considered an effective and safe salvage technique for post-operative DGE.

Feasibility and safety of self-expandable metal stent in nonmalignant disease of the lower gastrointestinal tract

In recent years,self-expandable metal stents(SEMSs)have been employed to treat benign gastrointestinal strictures secondary to several conditions:Acute diverticulitis,radiation colitis,inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),and postanastomotic leakages and stenosis.Other applications include endometriosis and fistulas of the lower gastrointestinal tract.Although it may be technically feasible to proceed to stenting in the aforementioned benign diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract,the outcome has been reported to be poor.In fact,in some settings(such as complicated diverticulitis and postsurgical anastomotic strictures),stenting seems to have a limited evidence-based benefit as a bridge to surgery,while in other settings(such as endometriosis,IBD,radiation colitis,etc.),even society guidelines are not able to guide the endoscopist through decisional algorithms for SEMS placement.The aim of this narrative paper is to review the scientific evidence regarding the use of SEMSs in nonmalignant diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract,both in adult and pediatric settings.

Management of post-gastrectomy anastomosis site obstruction with a self-expandable metallic stent

Post-gastrectomy anastomosis site obstruction is a relatively rare complication after a subtotal gastrectomy.We present a case of a 75-year-old man who underwent a truncal vagotomy, omental patch, gastrojejunostomy, and Braun anastomosis for duodenal ulcer perforation and a gastric outlet obstruction.Following the 10 th postoperative day, the patient complained of abdominal discomfort and vomiting.We diagnosed post-gastrectomy anastomosis site obstruction by an upper gastrointestinal series and an upper endoscopic examination.We inserted a self-expandable metallic stent(SEMS) at the anastomosis site.The stent was fully expanded after deployment.On the day following the stent insertion, the patient began to eat, and his abdominal discomfort was resolved.This paper describes the successful management of post-gastrectomy anastomosis site obstruction with temporary placement of a SEMS.

Revision of bilateral self-expandable metallic stents placed using the stent-in-stent technique for malignant hilar biliary obstruction

Background: Endoscopic biliary decompression using bilateral self-expandable metallic stent(SEMS) placed using the stent-in-stent(SIS) technique is considered favorable for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction(MHBO). However, occlusion of the bilateral SIS placement is frequent and revision can be challenging. This study was performed to investigate the efficacy, the long-term patency and the appropriate approach for revision of occluded bilateral SIS placement in unresectable MHBO. Methods: From January 2011 to July 2016, thirty-eight patients with unresectable MHBO underwent revision of occluded bilateral SIS placement. Clinical data including success rates and patency of revision, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The technical success rate of revision was 76.3%. The clinical success rate of revision was 51.7% and mean patency of revision was 49.1 days. No significant predictive factor for clinical failure of revision was observed. The cell size of SEMS was not found to have significant effects on clinical success rates or revision patency. Conclusions: Revision of occluded bilateral SIS placement for MHBO showed fair patency and clinical success rate. Revision method and cell size of SEMS were not found to influence clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of anti-migration properties of biliary covered self-expandable metal stents

AIM: To assess anti-migration potential of six biliary covered self-expandable metal stents(C-SEMSs) by using a newly designed phantom model. METHODS: In the phantom model, the stent was placed in differently sized holes in a silicone wall and retracted with a retraction robot. Resistance force to migration(RFM) was measured by a force gauge on the stent end. Radial force(RF) was measured with a RF measurement machine. Measured flare structure variables were the outer diameter, height, and taper angle of the flare(ODF, HF, and TAF, respectively). Correlations between RFM and RF or flare variables were analyzed using a linear correlated model.RESULTS: Out of the six stents, five stents were braided, the other was laser-cut. The RF and RFM of each stent were expressed as the average of five replicate measurements. For all six stents, RFM and RF decreased as the hole diameter increased. For all six stents, RFM and RF correlated strongly when the stent had not fully expanded. This correlation was not observed in the five braided stents excluding the laser cut stent. For all six stents, there was a strong correlation between RFM and TAF when the stent fully expanded. For the five braided stents, RFM after full stent expansion correlated strongly with all three stent flare structure variables(ODF, HF, and TAF). The laser-cut C-SEMS had higher RFMs than the braided C-SEMSs regardless of expansion state.CONCLUSION: RF was an important anti-migration property when the C-SEMS did not fully expand. Once fully expanded, stent flare structure variables plays an important role in anti-migration.

Chronic pancreatic pain successfully treated by endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreaticogastrostomy using fully covered self-expandable metallic stent

One of the most common symptoms presenting in patients with chronic pancreatitis is pancreatic-type pain.Obstruction of the main pancreatic duct in chronic pancreatitis can be treated by a multitude of therapeutic approaches,ranging from pharmacologic,endoscopic and radiologic treatments to surgical interventions.When the conservative treatment approaches fail to resolve symptomatic cases,however,endoscopic retrograde pancreatography with pancreatic duct drainage is the preferred second approach,despite its well-recognized drawbacks.When the conventional transpapillary approach fails to achieve the necessary drainage,the patients may benefit from application of the less invasive endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided pancreatic duct interventions.Here,we describe the case of a 42-year-old man who presented with severe abdominal pain that had lasted for 3 mo.Computed tomography scanning showed evidence of chronic obstructive pancreatitis with pancreatic duct stricture at genu.After conventional endoscopic retrograde pancreaticography failed to eliminate the symptoms,EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy(PGS)was applied using a fully covered,self-expandable,10-mm diameter metallic stent.The treatment resolved the case and the patient experienced no adverse events.EUS-guided PGS with a regular biliary fully covered,self-expandable metallic stent effectively and safely treated pancreatictype pain in chronic pancreatitis.

Placement of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent in a young patient with chronic pancreatitis

Plastic stent insertion is a treatment option for pancreatic duct stricture with chronic pancreatitis.However, recurrent stricture is a limitation after removing the plastic stent.Self-expandable metal stents have long diameters and patency.A metal stent has become an established management option for pancreatic duct stricture caused by malignancy but its use in benign stricture is still controversial.We introduce a young patient who had chronic pancreatitis and underwent several plastic stent insertions due to recurrent pancreatic duct stricture.His symptoms improved after using a fully covered self-expandable metal covered stent and there was no recurrence found at follow-up at the outpatient department.

Development of a biliary multi-hole self-expandable metallic stent for bile tract diseases: A case report

BACKGROUND Uncovered stents used for malignant obstructions in the biliary tree, especially in the hilar area, are prone to obstruction by tumor ingrowths. In comparison, however, covered stents may block bile duct branches and are at risk of migration. We have developed a multi-hole self-expandable metallic stent (MHSEMS), with a hole in each cell, to prevent the obstruction of bile duct branches. In addition, the holes may prevent migration due to small ingrowths by reducing the tension of the membrane. CASE SUMMARY MHSEMS were placed in five patients with a malignant obstruction and one with post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding. Each MHSEMS was successfully deployed in all cases. Patients showed no complications. Two cases were reviewed. Case 1: A 74-year-old male presented with jaundice and was diagnosed with a sigmoid colon cancer and giant liver metastases in the right liver lobe. A MHSEMS was placed in the left bile duct. The jaundice improved and peroral cholangioscopy was performed. Case 2: A 90-year-old female was admitted to hospital for jaundice and diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. A MHSEMS was placed in the left bile duct but after 8 months the stent became obstructed by tumor ingrowth. We treated the patient by ablation therapy. A silicone cover separated the internal bile duct from the surrounding tissue, protecting the latter from thermal injury during treatment by endobiliary ablation of the reobstruction. CONCLUSION A MHSEMS is a new choice of stent for biliary tract diseases.

Self-expandable metal stents for achalasia: Thinking out of the box!

Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the esophagus diagnosed manometrically in the clinical setting of dysphagia to both solids and liquids. Currently established treatment options include pneumatic dilation, laparoscopic Heller myotomy, botulinum toxin injection performed endoscopically, oral agents that relax the lower esophageal sphincter and esophagectomy for refractory, end-stage disease. Despite their effectiveness, a significant proportion of patients eventually relapses and needs retreatment. In this setting, several new techniques are under investigation promising future enrichment of our therapeutic armamentarium for achalasic patients. Among them, peroral endoscopic myotomy and selfexpandable metal stents placed across the gastroesophageal junction represent the most encouraging modalities, as initial studies assessing their efficacy and safety indicate. This review highlights the role of selfexpandable metal stents in the management of patients with achalasia. Their possible position in the therapeutic algorithm of achalasia along with established and novel techniques is also assessed. Finally, the need for large prospective randomized trials is underlined in order to elucidate the numerous relevant issues.

Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage with replacement of a covered self-expandable metal stent

Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement has become a standard palliative therapy for pa- tients with malignant biliary obstruction. Acute cholecystitis after SEMS placement is a serious complication. We report a patient with an acute cholecystitis after covered SEMS placement, who was managed successfully with endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGBD) and replacement of the covered SEMS. An 85-year-old man with pancreatic cancer suffered from acute cholecystitis after covered SEMS placement. It was impossible to perform percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage. After removal of the covered SEMS with a snare, a 7Fr double pigtail stent was placed between the gallbladder and duodenum, subsequently followed by another covered SEMS insertion into the common bile duct beside the gallbladder stent. The cholecystitis improved immediately after ETGBD. ETGBD with replacement of the covered SEMS thus proved to be effective for treatment of patients with acute cholecystitis after covered SEMS placement.

Case of arterial hemorrhage after endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for choledocholithiases using a covered self-expandable metallic stent

A 78-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of choledocholithiasis.ERC demonstrated choledocholithiases with a maximum diameter of 13 mm, and we performed endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD) with a size of 15 mm.Immediately following the balloon deflation, spurting hemorrhage occurred from the orifice of the duodenal papilla.Although we performed endoscopic hemostasis by compressing the bleeding point with the large balloon catheter, we could not achieve hemostasis.Therefore, we placed a 10 mm fully covered selfexpandable metallic stent(SEMS) across the duodenal papilla, and the hemorrhage stopped immediately.After 1 wk of SEMS placement, duodenal endoscopy revealed ulcerative lesions in both the orifice of the duodenal papilla and the lower bile duct.A direct peroral cholangioscopy using an ultra-slim upper endoscope revealed a visible vessel with a longitudinal mucosal tear in the ulceration of the lower bile duct.We believe that the mucosal tear and subsequent ruptured vessel were caused by the EPLBD procedure.

Complications of airway self-expandable metallic stent in benign airway diseases

Objectives: To present the complications of Ultraflex Self-Expandable Metallic Stents (SEMSs) applied in patients with benign tracheobronchial diseases. Methods: Eighty patients received 124 SEMSs were retrospectively reviewed in a tertiary hospital. Results: The baseline characteristics of patients received SEMS implantation including age (mean + standard deviation: 62.5 + 14.8 years), gender (male, 60.5%), smoking (46.8%), forced expiratory volume in first one second (FEV1) (mean + standard deviation, 0.92 +0.41 L/s), follow-up days after SEMS implantation (median (interquartile range);457 (131 - 897)) and covered SEMS (33.9%) were listed. Symptoms improved after SEMS implantation among 95 patients (76.6%). Time to complications developed was 236 (median;interquartile range, 59 - 672) days. The overall complication rate was 41.9% after SEMS implantation. The complications included SEMS migration (6.5%), granuloma (19.3%) and SEMS fracture (16.1%). Successful management rates of SEMS migration, granuloma and SEMS fracture were up to 100%, 83.3%, and 85% respectively. Conclusions: Patients received SEMS implantation due to benign conditions had poor lung function and were old. The complication rate in patients with benign conditions was high after longer follow-up period, however, successful management achieved in most patients with complications.

Temporary self-expanding metallic stents for achalasia: A prospective study with a long-term follow-up

AIM: To compare the efficacy of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMSs) for the long-term clinical treatment of achalasia. METHODS: Ninety achalasic patients were treated with a temporary SEMS with a diameter of 20 mm (n = 30, group A), 25 mm (n = 30, group B) or 30 mm (n = 30, group C). Data on clinical symptoms, complications and treatment outcomes were collected, and follow-up was made at 6 mo and at 1, 3-5, 5-8, 8-10 and > 10 years, postoperatively.RESULTS: Stent placement was successful in all patients. Although chest pain occurrence was high, stent migration was less in group C than in groups A and B. The clinical remission rate at 5-8, 8-10 and > 10 years in group C was higher than that in the other two groups. The treatment failure rate was lower in group C (13%) than in groups A (53%) and B (27%). SEMSs in group C resulted in reduced dysphagia scores and lowered esophageal sphincter pressures, as well as normal levels of barium height and width during all the follow-up time periods. Conversely, these parameters increased over time in groups A and B. The primary patency in group C was longer than in groups A and B. CONCLUSION: A temporary SEMS with a diameter of 30 mm is associated with a superior long-term clinical efficacy in the treatment of achalasia compared with a SEMS with a diameter of 20 mm or 25 mm.