Endoscopic-ultrasound-guided biliary drainage with placement of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction:Updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage using electrocautery-enhanced(ECE)delivery of lumen-apposing metal stent(LAMS)is gradually being re-cognized as a viable palliative technique for malignant biliary obstruction after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)failure.However,most of the studies that have assessed its efficacy and safety were small and hetero-geneous.Prior meta-analyses of six or fewer studies that were published 2 years ago were therefore underpowered to yield convincing evidence.AIM To update the efficacy and safety of ECE-LAMS for treatment of biliary ob-struction after ERCP failure.METHODS We searched PubMed,EMBASE,and Scopus databases from the inception of the ECE technique to May 13,2022.Primary outcome measure was pooled technical success rate,and secondary outcomes were pooled rates of clinical success,re-intervention,and adverse events.Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model following Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation in R soft-ware(version 4.1.3).RESULTS Fourteen eligible studies involving 620 participants were ultimately included.The pooled rate of technical success was 96.7%,and clinical success was 91.0%.Adverse events were reported in 17.5%of patients.Overall reinter-vention rate was 7.3%.Subgroup analyses showed results were generally consistent.CONCLUSION ECE-LAMS has favorable success with acceptable adverse events in relieving biliary obstruction when ERCP is impossible.The consistency of results across most subgroups suggested that this is a generalizable approach.

Defining failure of endoluminal biliary drainage in the era of endoscopic ultrasound and lumen apposing metal stents

The role of endoscopy in pathologies of the bile duct and gallbladder has seen notable advancements over the past two decades.With advancements in stent technology,such as the development of lumen-apposing metal stents,and adoption of endoscopic ultrasound and electrosurgical principles in therapeutic endoscopy,what was once considered endoscopic failure has transformed into failure of an approach that could be salvaged by a second-or third-line endoscopic strategy.Incorporation of these advancements in routine patient care will require formal training and multidisciplinary acceptance of established techniques and collaboration for advancement of experimental techniques to generate robust evidence that can be utilized to serve patients to the best of our ability.

Revolutionizing palliative care:Electrocautery-enhanced lumenapposing metal stents in endoscopic-ultrasound-guided biliary drainage for malignant obstructions

Patients with malignant biliary obstruction,following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)failure could be referred for endoscopicultrasound-guided biliary drainage through electrocautery-enhanced(ECE)lumen-apposing metal stent(LAMS)placement.However,the efficacy and safety of ECE-LAMS in this scenario have remained debatable due to minimal scientific evidence.The current confirmed 91.0%clinical success,96.7%technical success,7.3%reintervention rate,and 17.5%adverse events,following the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction with ECE-LAMS delivery.Finally,ECE-LAMS proved to be a generalizable strategy for managing biliary obstruction for patients who were excluded from ERCP.

Role of endoscopic-ultrasound-guided biliary drainage with electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction

In this editorial,we discuss the article by Peng et al in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery,focusing on the evolving role of endoscopicultrasound-guided biliary drainage(EUS-BD)with electrocautery lumen apposing metal stent(LAMS)for distal malignant biliary obstruction.Therapeutic endoscopy has rapidly advanced in decompression techniques,with growing evidence of its safety and efficacy surpassing percutaneous and surgical approaches.While endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)has been the gold standard for biliary decompression,its failure rate approaches 10.0%,prompting the exploration of alternatives like EUS-BD.This random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated high technical and clinical success of over 90.0% and an adverse event rate of 17.5%,mainly in the form of stent dysfunction.Outcomes based on stent size were not reported but the majority used 6 mm and 8 mm stents.As the body of literature continues to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique,the challenges of stent dysfunction need to be addressed in future studies.One strategy that has shown promise is placement of double-pigtail stents,only 18% received the prophylactic intervention in this study.We expect this to improve with time as the technique continues to be refined and standardized.The results above establish EUS-BD with LAMS as a reliable alternative after failed ERCP and considering EUS to ERCP upfront in the same session is an effective strategy.Given the promising results,studies must explore the role of EUS-BD as first-line therapy for biliary decompression.

Unveiling the potential of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents in endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage

This editorial delves into Peng et al's article,published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.Peng et al's meta-analysis investigates the effectiveness of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents(ECE-LAMS)in ultrasound-guided biliary drainage for alleviating malignant biliary obstruction.Examining 14 studies encompassing 620 participants,the research underscores a robust technical success rate of 96.7%,highlighting the efficacy of ECE-LAMS,particularly in challenging cases which have failed endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography.A clinical success rate of 91.0% underscores its impact on symptom alleviation,while a reasonably tolerable adverse event rate of 17.5% is observed.However,the 7.3% re-intervention rate stresses the need for post-procedural monitoring.Subgroup analyses validate consistent outcomes,bolstering the applicability of ECE-LAMS.These findings advocate for the adoption of ECELAMS as an appropriate approach for biliary palliation,urging further exploration in real-world clinical contexts.They offer valuable insights for optimizing interventions targeting malignant biliary obstruction management.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage using electrocauteryenhanced lumen-apposing metal stent for malignant biliary obstruction:A promising procedure

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Peng et al.Palliative drainage for biliary obstruction resulting from unresectable malignant lesions includes internal and external drainage.The procedures of biliary drainage are usually guided by fluoroscopy or transcutaneous ultrasound,endoscopic ultrasound(EUS),or both.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)has been primarily recommended for the management of biliary obstruction,while EUS-guided biliary drainage and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD)are alternative choices for cases where ERCP has failed or is impossible.PTBD is limited by shortcomings of a higher rate of adverse events,more reinterventions,and severe complications.EUS-guided biliary drainage has a lower rate of adverse events than PTBD.EUS-guided biliary drainage with electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent(ECE-LAMS)enables EUS-guided biliaryenteric anastomosis to be performed in a single step and does not require prior bile duct puncture or a guidewire.The present meta-analysis showed that ECELAMS has a high efficacy and safety in relieving biliary obstruction in general,although the results of LAMS depending on the site of biliary obstruction.This study has highlighted the latest advances with a larger sample-based comprehensive analysis.

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.

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

BACKGROUND 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.AIM To review long-and short-term clinical success of SEMS use for colonic obstruction at our center.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all the patients who underwent colonic SEMS placement over aeighteen year period (August 2004 through August 2022) at our academic center. Demographicsincluding age, gender, indication (malignant and benign), technical success, clinical success,complications (perforation, stent migration), mortality, and outcomes were recorded.RESULTSSixty three patients underwent colon SEMS over an 18-year period. Fifty-five cases were formalignant indications, 8 were for benign conditions. The benign strictures included diverticulardisease stricturing (n = 4), fistula closure (n = 2), extrinsic fibroid compression (n = 1), and ischemicstricture (n = 1). Forty-three of the malignant cases were due to intrinsic obstruction from primaryor recurrent colon cancer;12 were from extrinsic compression. Fifty-four strictures occurred on theleft 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 ratewas significantly higher for benign group: Four complications were observed in the malignantgroup (stent migration, restenosis) vs 2 of 8 (25%) for benign obstruction (1-perforation, 1-stentmigration) (P = 0.02). When stratifying complications of perforation and stent migration there wasno significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.14, NS).CONCLUSIONColon SEMS remains a worthwhile option for colonic obstruction related to malignancy and has ahigh procedural and clinical success rate. Benign indications for SEMS placement appear to havesimilar success to malignant. While there appears to be a higher overall complication rate inbenign cases, our study is limited by sample size. When evaluating for perforation alone theredoes not appear to be any significant difference between the two groups. SEMS placement may bea practical option for indications other that malignant obstruction. Interventional endoscopistsshould be aware and discuss the risk for complications in setting of benign conditions. Indicationsin these cases should be discussed in a multi-disciplinary fashion with colorectal surgery.

Stent fracture after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement using the bare metal stent/stent-graft combination technique

BACKGROUND A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is widely placed to treat portal hypertension.Because the Viatorr®stent(W.L.Gore and Associates,Flagstaff,AZ,United States)is not available in all hospitals in China,the bare metal stent(BMS)/stent-graft combination technique is still popular for TIPS construction.Stent fracture is a complication after TIPS placement using this technique,with limited available literature focusing on it.AIM To assess the incidence of stent fracture after TIPS placement using the BMS/stent-graft combination technique and to identify the risk factors for stent fracture.We proposed technique modifications to improve the clinical results of TIPS placement with the BMS/stent-graft combination technique.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the computed tomography(CT)data of all patients with portal hypertension who underwent the TIPS procedure between June 2011 and December 2021 in a single center.Patients implanted with the BMS/stent graft and had follow-up imaging data available were included.We identified patients with stent fracture and analyzed their characteristics.Multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify the potential predictors of stent fracture.RESULTS Of the 68 included patients,stent fracture occurred in seven(10.3%)patients.Based on CT images,the stent fractures were categorized into three types.Our study consisted of four(57.1%)type I fractures,one(14.3%)type II fracture,one(14.3%)type IIIa fracture,and one(14.3%)type IIIb fracture.After adjusting for covariates,multivariable logistic regression revealed that the risk factors for stent fracture were the implantation of a greater number of stents[adjusted odds ratio(aOR)=22.2,95%confidence interval(CI):1.2-415.4,P=0.038]and a larger proximal sagittal stent bending angle(aOR=1.1,95%CI:1.0-1.3,P=0.020).CONCLUSION Stent fracture occurred in approximately 10%of patients with portal hypertension who underwent TIPS with the BMS/stent-graft combination technique.The number of implanted stents and stent bending angle at the inferior vena cava end were predictors of stent fracture,which suggests that the incidence of stent fracture could potentially be reduced by procedural modifications.

Alternative uses of lumen apposing metal stents

The advent of lumen apposing metal stents(LAMS)has revolutionized the management of many complex gastroenterological conditions that previously required surgical or radiological interventions.These procedures have garnered popularity due to their minimally invasive nature,higher technical and clinical success rate and lower rate of adverse events.By virtue of their unique design,LAMS provide more efficient drainage,serve as conduit for endoscopic access,are associated with lower rates of leakage and are easy to be removed.Initially used for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections,the use of LAMS has been extended to gallbladder and biliary drainage,treatment of luminal strictures,creation of gastrointestinal fistulae,pancreaticobiliary drainage,improved access for surgically altered anatomy,and drainage of intra-abdominal and pelvic abscesses as well as post-surgical fluid collections.As new indications of endosonographic techniques and LAMS continue to evolve,this review summarizes the current role of LAMS in the management of these various complex conditions and also highlights clinical pearls to guide successful placement of LAMS.

Short benign ileocolonic anastomotic strictures-management with bi-flanged metal stents:Six case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND The endoscopic management of benign short post-anastomotic ileocolonic stricture(PAICS) that is refractory to primary and secondary treatment modalities remains challenging.The lumen-apposing metal stent(LAMS) is a novel device recently developed for therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy.LAMSs have demonstrated significantly better results with regard to stent migration than fully covered self-expandable metal stents(FCSEMSs).CASE SUMMARY This article presents six cases of symptomatic PAICS successfully treated with a LAMS and a review of the relevant literature.We report a life-saving technique not previously documented and the use of technology to improve patient outcomes.The six patients(median age,75 years) suffered from vomiting,constipation and recurrent abdominal pain,with symptoms starting 23-25 wk post-surgery.The median stricture length was 1.83 cm.All six patients underwent successful and uneventful bi-flanged metal stent(BFMS)-LAMS placement for benign PAICS.All patients remained asymptomatic during the three months of stent indwelling and up to a median of 7 mo after stent removal.According to the literature,the application of LAMS for PAICS is associated with a < 10% risk of migration and a < 5% risk of bleeding.Conversely,FCSEMS has a high migration rate(15%-50%).CONCLUSION The evolving role of interventional endoscopy and the availability of LAMSs provide patients with minimally invasive treatment options,allowing them to avoid more invasive surgical interventions.The BFMS(NAGI stent) is longer and larger than the prototype AXIOS-LAMS,which should be considered in the management of short ileocolonic post-anastomotic strictures longer than 10 mm and shorter than 30 mm.

Treatment of malignant gastric outlet obstruction with endoscopically placed self-expandable metal stents

Malignant gastroduodenal obstruction can occur in up to 20%of patients with primary pancreatic,gastric or duodenal carcinomas.Presenting symptoms include nausea,vomiting,abdominal distention,pain and decreased oral intake which can lead to dehydration, malnutrition,and poor quality of life.Endoscopic stent placement has become the primary therapeutic modality because it is safe,minimally invasive,and a cost-effective option for palliation.Stents can be successfully deployed in the majority of patients. Stent placement appears to lead to a shorter time to symptomatic improvement,shorter time to resumption of an oral diet,and shorter hospital stays as compared with surgical options.Recurrence of the obstructive symptoms resulting from stent occlusion,due to tumor ingrowth or overgrowth,can be successfully treated with repeat endoscopic stent placement in the majority of the cases.Both endoscopic stenting and surgical bypass are considered palliative treatments and,to date,no improvement in survival with either modality has been demonstrated.A tailored therapeutic approach,taking into consideration patient preferences and involving a multidisciplinary team including the therapeutic endoscopist,surgeon,medical oncologist, radiation therapist,and interventional radiologist, should be considered in all cases.

Self-expanding metal stents for the palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis

AIM To evaluate the efficacy of self-expanding metal stents(SEMS) for the palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction in patients with and without peritoneal carcinomatosis(PC).METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 62 patients who underwent SEMS placement for treatment of malignant gastroduodenal obstruction at our hospital over a six-year period. Stents were deployed through the scope under combined fluoroscopic and endoscopic guidance. Technical success was defined as successful stent placement and expansion. Clinical success was defined as an improvement in the obstructive symptoms and discharge from hospital without additional parenteral nutrition. According to carcinomatosis status, patients were assigned into groups with or without evidence of peritoneal disease.RESULTS In most cases, obstruction was caused by pancreatic(47%) or gastric cancer(23%). Technical success was achieved in 96.8%(60/62), clinical success in 79%(49/62) of all patients. Signs of carcinomatosis were identified in 27 patients(43.5%). The diagnosis was confirmed by pathology or previous operation in 7 patients(11.2%) and suspected by CT, MRI or ultrasound in 20 patients(32.2%). Presence of carcinomatosis was associated with a significantly lower clinical success rate compared to patients with no evidence of peritoneal disease(66.7% vs 88.6%, P = 0.036). There was no significant difference in overall survival between patients with or without PC(median 48 d vs 70 d, P = 0.21), but patients showed significantly longer survival after clinical success of SEMS placement compared to those experiencing clinical failure(median 14.5 d vs 75 d, P = 0.0003).CONCLUSION Given the limited therapeutic options and a clinical success rate of at least 66.7%, we believe that SEMS are a reasonable treatment option in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Unilateral versus bilateral Y-type stent-in-stent metal stent insertions in inoperable malignant hilar biliary strictures:A multicenter retrospective study

Background:To date,there is controversy regarding unilateral versus bilateral stent placement in patients with malignant hilar biliary strictures(MHBSs).The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and complications of unilateral and bilateral(stent-in-stent method)stent placements for these patients.Methods:We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis of patients with inoperable MHBS who underwent endoscopic self-expandable metal stent(SEMS)placement from January 2009 to December 2019.Two groups classified according to the stent procedure method were compared for demographic,procedural,and postprocedure factors.Survival analysis for patency loss and overall survival was also conducted.Results:A total of 236 subjects were included.A superior technical success rate was found in the unilateral stent group(98.8%vs.82.5%,P<0.001),whereas the clinical success rate was higher in the bilateral group(85.7%vs.70.5%,P=0.028).There was no significant difference with respect to complications or patency loss,and the bilateral group had better overall survival(P<0.01).In the Cox proportional hazard model,MHBSs from lymph node compression were associated with a higher risk of death(HR=9.803,P=0.003).In contrast,bilateral SEMS insertion showed reduced postprocedural mortality(HR=0.316,P=0.001).Conclusions:Y-type stent-in-stent bilateral SEMSs are technically difficult but demonstrated more favorable overall survival for palliative bile drainage of inoperable MHBS patients compared to unilateral insertions.

Biodegradable stents in gastrointestinal endoscopy

Biodegradable stents(BDSs)are an attractive option to avoid ongoing dilation or surgery in patients with benign stenoses of the small and large intestines.The experience with the currently the only BDS for endoscopic placement,made of Poly-dioxanone,have shown promising results.However some aspects should be improved as are the fact that BDSs lose their radial force over time due to the degradable material,and that can cause stent-induced mucosal or parenchymal injury.This complication rate and modest clinical efficacy has to be carefully considered in individual patients prior to placement of BDSs.Otherwise,the price of these stents therefore it is nowadays an important limitation.

Economical effect of lumen apposing metal stents for treating benign foregut strictures

AIM To evaluate the clinical and economical efficacy of lumen apposing metal stent(LAMS) in the treatment of benign foregut strictures.METHODS A single center retrospective database of patients who underwent endoscopic treatment of benign foregut strictures between January 2014 and May 2017 was analyzed. A control group of non-stented patients who underwent three endoscopic dilations was compared to patients who underwent LAMS placement. Statistical tests performed included independent t-tests and fiveparameter regression analysis RESULTS Nine hundred and ninety-eight foregut endoscopic dilations were performed between January 2014 and May 2017. 15 patients underwent endoscopic LAMS placement for treatment of benign foregut stricture. Thirty-six patients with recurrent benign foregut strictures underwent three or more endoscopic dilations without stent placement. The cost ratio of endoscopic dilation to LAMS(stent, placement and retrieval) is 5.77. Cost effective analysis demonstrated LAMS to be economical after three endoscopic dilation overall.LAMS was cost effective after two dilations in the Postsurgical stricture subgroup. CONCLUSION Endoscopists should consider LAMS for the treatment of benign foregut strictures if symptoms persist past three endoscopic dilations. Post-surgical strictures may benefit from LAMS if symptoms persist after two dilations in a post-surgical. Early intervention with LAMS appears to be a clinically and economically viable option for durable symptomatic relief in patients with these strictures.

Successful biliary drainage using a metal stent through the gastric stoma

We report a case of biliary drainage for malignant stricture using a metal stent with an ultrathin endoscope through the gastric stoma. A 78-year-old female was referred to our hospital for jaundice and fever. She had undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG) for esophageal obstruction after radiation therapy for cancer of the pharynx. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a 3-cm enhanced mass in the middle bile duct and dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct. We initially performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) with a trans-oral approach. However, neither the side-viewing endoscope nor the ultrathin endoscope passed through the esophageal orifice. Thus, we eventually performed ERCP via the PEG stoma using an ultrathin endoscope. We performed biliary drainage with a 6F introducer selfexpanding metal stent. The cytology findings obtained by brush cytology showed malignancy. Her laboratory results were restored to normal levels after drainage and no complication occurred.

Efficacy and safety of limited endoscopic sphincterotomy before self-expandable metal stent insertion for malignant biliary obstruction

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of limited endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) before placement of self-expandable metal stent (SEMS).METHODSThis was a retrospective analysis of 244 consecutive patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction, who underwent placement of SEMSs following limited ES from December 2008 to February 2015. The diagnosis of malignant biliary obstruction and assessment of patient eligibility for the study was established by a combination of clinical findings, laboratory investigations, imaging and pathological results. All patients were monitored in the hospital for at least 24 h following endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP). The incidence of immediate or early post-ERCP complications such as post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and bleeding related to limited ES were considered as primary outcomes. Also, characteristics and complications according to the cancer type were classified.RESULTSAmong the 244 patients included, the underlying diagnosis was cholangiocarcinoma in 118 patients, pancreatic cancer in 79, and non-pancreatic or non-biliary malignancies in the remaining 47 patients. Early post-ERCP complications occurred in 9 patients (3.7%), with PEP in 7 patients (2.9%; mild, 6; moderate, 1) and mild bleeding in 2 patients (0.8%). There was no significant association between the incidence of post-ERCP complications and the type of malignancy (cholangiocarcinoma vs pancreatic cancer vs others, P = 0.696) or the type of SEMS used (uncovered vs covered, P = 1.000). Patients who had more than one SEMS placed at the first instance were at a significantly higher risk of post-ERCP complications (one SEMS vs two SEMS, P = 0.031). No other factors were predictive of post-ERCP complications.CONCLUSIONLimited ES is feasible and safe, and effectively facilitates the placement of SEMS, without any significant risk of PEP or severe bleeding.

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.

Treatment of gastric outlet and duodenal obstructions with uncovered expandable metal stents

AIM:To investigate and evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical effectiveness of fluoroscopically guided peroral uncovered expandable metal stent placement to treat gastric outlet and duodenal obstructions. METHODS:Fifteen consecutive patients underwent peroral placement of Wallstent^(TM)Enteral Endoprosthesis to treat gastric outlet and duodenal obstructions(14 malignant,1 benign).All procedures were completed under fluoroscopic guidance without endoscopic assistance.Follow-up was completed until the patients died or were lost,and the clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS:The technique success rate was 100%,and the oral intake was maintained in 12 of 14 patients varying from 7 d to 270 d.Two patients remained unable to resume oral intake,although their stents were proven to be patent with the barium study.One patient with acute necrotizing pancreatitis underwent enteral stenting to treat intestinal obstruction,and nausea and vomiting disappeared.Ten patients died during the follow- up period,and their mean oral intake time was 50 d. No procedure-related complications occurred.Stent migration to the gastric antrum occurred in one patient 1 year after the procedure,a tumor grew at the proximal end of the stent in another patient 38 d post-stent insertion. CONCLUSION:Fluoroscopically guided peroral metal stent implantation is a safe and effective method to treat malignant gastrointestinal obstructions,and complications can be ignored based on our short-term study.Indications for this procedure should be discreetly considered because a few patients may not benefit from gastrointestinal insertion,but some benign gastrointestinal obstructions can be treated using this procedure.