Oncologic impact of colonic stents for obstructive left-sided colon cancer

Colonic stenting has had a significant positive impact on the management of obstructive left-sided colon cancer(OLCC) in terms of both palliative treatment and bridge-to-surgery(BTS). Notably, many studies have convincingly demonstrated the effectiveness of stenting as a BTS, resulting in improvements in shortterm outcomes and quality of life, safety, and efficacy in subsequent curative surgery, and increased cost-effectiveness, whereas the safety of chemotherapy after stenting and the long-term outcomes of stenting as a BTS are controversial. Several studies have suggested an increased risk of perforation in patients receiving bevacizumab chemotherapy after colonic stenting. In addition, several pathological analyses have suggested a negative oncological impact of colonic stenting. In contrast, many recent studies have demonstrated that colonic stenting for OLCC does not negatively impact the safety of chemotherapy or long-term oncological outcomes. The updated version of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines released in 2020 included colonic stenting as a BTS for OLCC as a recommended treatment. It should be noted that the experience of endoscopists is involved in determining technical and clinical success rates and possibly oncological outcomes. This review discusses the positive and negative impacts of colonic stenting on OLCC treatment, particularly in terms of oncology.

Treatment of colonic varices and gastrointestinal bleeding by recanalization and stenting of splenic-vein-thrombosis:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Splenic vein thrombosis is a known complication of pancreatitis.It can lead to increased blood flow through mesenteric collaterals.This segmental hypertension may result in the development of colonic varices(CV)with a high risk of severe gastrointestinal bleeding.While clear guidelines for treatment are lacking,splenectomy or splenic artery embolization are often used to treat bleeding.Splenic vein stenting has been shown to be a safe option.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old female patient was admitted due to recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.She was anemic with a hemoglobin of 8.0 g/dL.As a source of bleeding,CV were identified.Computed tomography scans revealed thrombotic occlusion of the splenic vein,presumably as a result of a severe acute pancreatitis 8 years prior.In a selective angiography,a dilated mesenterial collateral leading from the spleen to enlarged vessels in the right colonic flexure and draining into the superior mesenteric vein could be confirmed.The hepatic venous pressure gradient was within normal range.In an interdisciplinary board,transhepatic recanalization of the splenic vein via balloon dilatation and consecutive stenting,as well as coiling of the aberrant veins was discussed and successfully performed.Consecutive evaluation revealed complete regression of CV and splenomegaly as well as normalization of the red blood cell count during follow-up.CONCLUSION Recanalization and stenting of splenic vein thrombosis might be considered in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding due to CV.However,a multidisciplinary approach with a thorough workup and discussion of individualized therapeutic strategies is crucial in these difficult to treat patients.

Successful resection of colonic metastasis of lung cancer after colonic stent placement:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.Although lung cancer can metastasize to various organs such as the liver,lymph nodes,adrenal gland,bone,and brain,metastases to the digestive organs,especially the colon,are rare.CASE SUMMARY An 83-year-old man diagnosed with lung cancer received radiation and chemoimmunotherapy,resulting in a complete clinical response.One year after the initial lung cancer diagnosis,the patient presented with obstructive ileus caused by a tumor in the descending colon.An elective left hemicolectomy was successfully performed after the endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metallic stent(SEMS).Pathologically,the tumor of the descending colon was diagnosed as lung cancer metastasis.The postoperative course was uneventful,and the patient is in good condition 13 mo after surgery,with no signs of recurrence.The previous 23 cases of surgical resection of colonic metastasis from lung cancer were reviewed using PubMed to characterize their clinicopathological features and outcomes.CONCLUSION SEMS is useful for obstructive colonic metastasis as a bridge to surgery to avoid emergency operations.

Preoperative colonoscopy through the colonic stent in patients with colorectal cancer obstruction

AIM:To evaluate the feasibility of a preoperative colonoscopy through a self-expendable metallic stent(SEMS)and to identify the factors that affect complete colonoscopy.METHODS:A total of 48 patients who had SEMS placement because of acute malignant colonic obstruction underwent preoperative colonoscopy.After effective SEMS placement,patients who showed complete resolution of radiological findings and clinical signs of acute colon obstruction underwent a standard bowel preparation.Preoperative colonoscopy was then performed using a standard colonoscope.If the passage of colonoscope was not feasible gastroscope was used.After colonoscopy,cecal intubation time,grade of bowel preparation,tumor location,stent location,presence of synchronous polyps or cancer,damage to colonoscopy and bleeding,and stent migration after colonoscopy were recorded.RESULTS:Complete evaluation with colonoscope was possible in 30 patients(62.5%).In this group,adenoma was detected in 13 patients(43.3%).The factors that affected complete colonoscopy were also analyzed:Tumor location at an angle;stent placement at an angle;and stent expansion diameter,which affected complete colonoscopy significantly.However in multivariate analysis,stent expansion diameter was the only significant factor that affected complete colonoscopy.Complete evaluation using additional gastroscope was feasible in 42 patients(87.5%).CONCLUSION:Preoperative colonoscopy through the colonic stent using only conventional colonoscope was unfavorable.The narrow expansion diameter of the stent may predict unfavorable outcome.In such a case,using small caliber scope should be considered and may expect successful outcome.

Complications and survival in patients undergoing colonic stenting for malignant obstruction

AIM:To investigate whether predicting patients that might be at a higher risk for complications might serve to improve the selection of patients undergoing colonic stenting.METHODS:A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent an attempted self-expandable metal stent(SEMS)insertion for malignant colonic obstruction between November 2006 and March 2013.All patients were either referred for preoperative colonic decompression with the intent of a single surgical procedure,or for palliation of the malignant colorectal obstruction for unresectable cancer.Fisher’s test orχ2test was performed on categorical variables,and the t test for continuous variables.Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine the association between independent variables and the presence of complications from SEMS insertion.RESULTS:SEMS insertion was attempted in 73 patients.Males comprised 55.71%and the mean age was 67.41±12.41 years.Of these,65.15%underwent subsequent surgery,while 34.85%received SEMS as palliation for advanced disease.Extracolonic tumors were only4.76%.The majority of patients had stageⅣdisease(63.83%),while the remainder had stageⅢ(36.17%).SEMS were successfully inserted in 93.85%(95%CI:87.85%-99.85%).Perforations occurred in 4.10%,SEMS migration in 8.21%,and stent re-occlusion from ingrowth occurred in 2.74%of patients.The mean duration of follow up for the patients was 13.52±17.48 mo(range 0-73 mo).None of the variables:age,sex,time between the onset of symptoms to SEMS insertion,time between SEMS insertion and surgery,length of the stenosis,location of the stenosis,albumin level,or receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy,could predict the development of complications from either SEMS insertion nor prolonged survival.CONCLUSION:None of the variables could predict the development of complications or survival.Further studies are required to identify patients who would benefit the most from SEMS.

Comparison of decompression tubes with metallic stents for the management of right-sided malignant colonic obstruction

BACKGROUND Emergency surgical resection is a standard treatment for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction; however, the procedure is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Although a bridge to surgery can be created to obviate the need for emergency surgery, its effects on long-term outcomes and the most practical management strategies for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction remain unclear.AIM To determine the appropriate management approach for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction.METHODS Forty patients with right-sided malignant colonic obstruction who underwent curative resection from January 2007 to April 2017 were included in the study.We compared the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients who received bridges to surgery established using decompression tubes and those created using self-expandable metallic stents(SEMS). The primary outcome was the overall survival duration(OS) and the secondary endpoints were the diseasefree survival(DFS) duration and the preoperative and postoperative morbidity rates. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis.RESULTS There were 21 patients in the decompression tube group and 19 in the SEMS group. There were no significant differences in the perioperative morbidity rates of the two groups. The OS rate was significantly higher in the decompression tube group than in the SEMS group(5-year OS rate; decompression tube 79.5%,SEMS 32%, P = 0.043). Multivariate analysis revealed that the bridge to surgery using a decompression tube was significantly associated with the OS(hazard ratio, 17.41; P = 0.004). The 3-year DFS rate was significantly higher in thedecompression tube group than in the SEMS group(68.9% vs 45.9%; log-rank test,P = 0.032). A propensity score–adjusted analysis also demonstrated that the prognosis was significantly better in the decompression tube group than in the SEMS group.CONCLUSION The bridge to surgery using trans-nasal and trans-anal decompression tubes for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction is safe and may improve long-term outcomes.

Laparoscopic colonic anastomosis using a degradable stent in a porcine model

AIM: To explore the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic colonic anastomosis using a degradable stent in a porcine model.METHODS: Twenty Bama mini-pigs were randomly assigned to a stent group(n = 10) and control group(hand-sewn anastomosis, n = 10). The anastomotic completion and operation times were recorded, along with histological examination, postoperative general condition, complications, mortality, bursting pressure, and the average anastomotic circumference(AC).RESULTS: All pigs survived postoperatively except for one in the stent group that died from ileus at 11 wk postoperatively. The operation and anastomotic completion times of the stent group were significantly shorter than those of the control group(P = 0.004 and P = 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in bursting pressure between the groups(P = 0.751). No obvious difference was found between the AC and normal circumference in the stent group, but AC was significantly less than normal circumferencein the control group(P = 0.047, P < 0.05). No intestinal leakage and luminal stenosis occurred in the stent group. Histological examination revealed that the stent group presented with lower general inflammation and better healing.CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic colonic anastomosis with a degradable stent is a simple, rapid, and safe procedure in this porcine model.

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.

Trimming of a migrated metal stent for malignant colonic stricture using argon plasma coagulation

We report the first case of trimming of a migrated metal colonic stent for stent induced severe anorectal pain. We present a case of a 54-year-old female with history of metastatic colorectal carcinoma who had stent placement secondary to obstruction. Subsequent distal migration of the stent caused ulcerations into the rectal mucosa and excruciating anorectal pain. We used argon plasma coagulation (APC) to successfully trim the exposed distal portion of the metal stent and rat tooth forceps to retrieve the stent fragments. The use of APC for trimming metallic stents is an effective procedure that can be used to trim migrated rectal stents that result in significant rectal pain. To date, few studies have been published that use APC to trim metallic stents placed in the gastrointestinal tract. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the only known case in which the indication for stent trimming was severe stent induced rectal pain. The procedure resulted in complete relief of patient symptoms. Therefore, APC is a safe and effective way to trim colo-rectal stents to definitively relieve the symptom of stent induced rectal pain in patients who have experienced distal stent migration and mucosal ulceration.

Stenting as a bridge to surgery in obstructing colon cancer:Longterm recurrence pattern and competing risk of mortality

BACKGROUND Stenting as a bridge to curative surgery(SBTS)for obstructing colon cancer(OCC)has been associated with possibly worse oncological outcomes.AIM To evaluate the recurrence patterns,survival outcomes,and colorectal cancer(CRC)-specific death in patients undergoing SBTS for OCC.METHODS Data from 62 patients undergoing SBTS at a single tertiary centre over ten years between 2007 and 2016 were retrospectively examined.Primary outcomes were recurrence patterns,overall survival(OS),cancer-specific survival(CSS),and CRC-specific death.OS and CSS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier curves.Competing risk analysis with cumulative incidence function(CIF)was used to estimate CRC-specific mortality with other cause-specific death as a competing event.Fine-Gray regressions were performed to determine prognostic factors of CRC-specific death.Univariate and multivariate subdistribution hazard ratios and their corresponding Wald test P values were calculated.RESULTS 28 patients(45.2%)developed metastases after a median period of 16 mo.Among the 18 patients with single-site metastases:Four had lung-only metastases(14.3%),four had liver-only metastases(14.3%),and 10 had peritoneum-only metastases(35.7%),while 10 patients had two or more sites of metastatic disease(35.7%).The peritoneum was the most prevalent(60.7%)site of metastatic involvement(17/28).The median follow-up duration was 46 mo.26(41.9%)of the 62 patients died,of which 16(61.5%)were CRC-specific deaths and 10(38.5%)were deaths owing to other causes. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS probabilities were 88%, 74%, and 59%;1-, 3-, and5-year CSS probabilities were 97%, 83%, and 67%. The highest CIF for CRC-specific death at 60 mowas liver-only recurrence (0.69). Liver-only recurrence, peritoneum-only recurrence, and two ormore recurrence sites were predictive of CRC-specific death.CONCLUSIONThe peritoneum was the most common metastatic site among patients undergoing SBTS. Liveronlyrecurrence, peritoneum-only recurrence, and two or more recurrence sites were predictors ofCRC-specific death.

Self-Expanding Metal Stenting for Malignant Colonic Tumours: A Prospective Study

Background: Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) have been used in the management of malignant colorectal obstruction for palliation or as a bridging tool to single-stage surgery. We present the clinical results of a series of patients with colonic cancer in whom SEMS were inserted endoscopically under radiological guidance. Methods: Between September 2007 and January 2010, prospectively collected data from 21 patients who underwent SEMS insertion was analysed. This data includes demographics, indication for stenting, stent size, technical success, clinical success, complications, survival and duration of hospitalisation. Results: 14 male and 7 female patients with malignant colonic obstruction underwent SEMS insertion: 19 requiring palliation and 2 bridging to surgery. The rate of technical success was 100% and of initial clinical success was 100%. In 16/19 (84.2%) of the palliation group, clinical success was maintained at mean follow up of 3.4 months (1-6 months), while 3/19 (15.8%) died, two with functioning stents and one with stent occlusion. The two patients with operable tumours were successfully bridged to one-stage elective surgery at 1 month and 4 months following stenting. Post-procedure complications occurred in 5 patients: 1 perforation, 2 pain, 1 migration and 1 stent occlusion. All patients were discharged alive and the median hospital stay was 1 day (range: 1 to 13 days). Conclusion: SEMS provides an effective and safe option in the palliation of malignant colorectal obstruction. In operable patients, it provides a useful option to avoid colostomy, by facilitating safer single-stage surgery. In this prospective study of SEMS insertion, high rates of technical and initial clinical success were achieved. This could be attributed to performing the procedure under combined endoscopic and radiological guidance.

Colonic stenting vs emergent surgery for acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction:A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM:To investigate the effects of emergent preopera-tive self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) vs emer-gent surgery for acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction. METHODS:Two investigators independently searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, as well as references of included studies to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared two or more surgical approaches for acute colonic obstruction. Summary risk ratios (RR) and 95% CI for colonic stenting and emergent surgery were calculated. RESULTS:Eight studies met the selection criteria, involving 444 patients, of whom 219 underwent SEMS and 225 underwent emergent surgery. Seven studies reported difference of the one-stage stoma rates between the two groups (RR, 0.60; 95% CI:0.48-0.76; P < 0.0001). Only three RCTs described the follow-up stoma rates, which showed no significant difference between the two groups (RR, 0.80; 95% CI:0.59-1.08; P = 0.14). Difference was not significant in the mortality between the two groups (RR, 0.91; 95% CI:0.50-1.66; P = 0.77), but there was significant difference (RR, 0.57; 95% CI:0.44-0.74; P < 0.0001) in the overall morbidity. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the anastomotic leak rate (RR, 0.60; 95% CI: 0.28-1.28; P = 0.19), occurrence of abscesses, including peristomal abscess, intraperitoneal abscess and parietal abscess (RR, 0.83; 95% CI:0.36-1.95; P = 0.68), and other abdominal complications (RR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.40-1.12; P = 0.13). CONCLUSION:SEMS is not obviously more advantageous than emergent surgery for patients with acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction.

Oncologic safety of colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery in leftsided malignant colonic obstruction:Current evidence and prospects

Approximately 7%-29%of patients with colorectal cancer present with colonic obstruction.The concept of self-expandable metal stent(SEMS)insertion as a bridge to surgery(BTS)is appealing.However,concerns on colonic stenting possibly impairing oncologic outcomes have been raised.This study aimed to review current evidence on the short-and long-term oncologic outcomes of SEMS insertion as BTS for left-sided malignant colonic obstruction.For short-term outcomes,colonic stenting facilitates a laparoscopic approach,increases the likelihood of primary anastomosis without a stoma,and may decrease postoperative morbidity.However,SEMS-related perforation also increases local recurrence and impairs overall survival.Moreover,colonic stenting may cause negative oncologic outcomes even without perforation.SEMS can induce shear forces on the tumor,leading to increased circulating cancer cells and aggressive pathological characteristics,including perineural and lymphovascular invasion.The conflicting evidence has led to discordant guidelines.Well-designed collaborative studies that integrate both oncologic outcomes and data on basic research(e.g.,alteration of circulating tumors)are needed to clarify the actual benefit of colonic stenting as BTS.

Definitive palliation for neoplastic colonic obstruction using enteral stents:Personal case-series with literature review

Acute colonic obstruction due to malignancies is an emergency that requires surgical treatment. Elderly patients or inoperable tumors require intestinal decompression that is a simple colostomy in almost all cases. This “manoeuvre” leads the patient to a percentage of mortality/morbidity and to a bad quality of life due to acceptance of stoma. The introduction of enteral metal stent inserted endoscopically has, in our opinion, provided a new way to obtaining the definitive palliation of inoperable colo-rectal cancer with a simple method. We reported our case-series and we analyzed the current literature and costs of treatments.

Analysis of risk factors associated with complications of colonic stenting for malignant obstruction

Self expanding metalic stent(SEMS) application can cause serious problems up to one third of the patients and some studies reported negative effect of SEMSs on survival in patients with malignancy. The SEMS type especially the rigid one like Wall-stent rather than more flexible type Ultraflex was also reported to have bad impact on the risk of perforation we believe that stent based management protocol for patients with non-perforating left sided obstructing colorectal cancer is a complex method that needs qualified medical and technical team.

Newly developed self-expandable Niti-S MD colonic metal stent for malignant colonic obstruction

BACKGROUND Colonic stents are increasingly used to treat acute malignant colonic obstructions.The Wall Flex and Niti-S D type stents are the commonly used self-expandable metallic stents available in Japan since 2012.Wall Flex stent has a risk of stentrelated perforation because of its axial force,while the Niti-S D type stent has a risk of obstructive colitis because of its weaker radial force.Niti-S MD type stents not only overcome these limitations but also permit delivery through highly flexible-tipped smaller-caliber colonoscopes.AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of the newly developed Niti-S MD type colonic stents.METHODS This single-center retrospective observational study included 110 patients with endoscopic self-expandable metallic stents placed between November 2011 and December 2018:Wall Flex(Group W,n=37),Niti-S D type(Group N,n=53),and Niti-S MD type(Group MD,n=20).The primary outcome was clinical success,defined as a resolution of obstructive colonic symptoms,confirmed by clinical and radiological assessment within 48 h.The secondary outcome was technical success,defined as accurate stent placement with adequate stricture coverage on the first attempt without complications.RESULTS The technical success rate was 100%in Groups W,N,and MD,and the overall clinical success rate was 89.2%(33/37),96.2%(51/53),and 100%(20/20)in Groups W,N,and MD,respectively.Early adverse events included pain(3/37,8.1%),poor expansion(1/37,2.7%),and fever(1/37,2.6%)in Group W and perforation due to obstructive colitis(2/53,3.8%)in Group N(likely due to poor expansion).Late adverse events(after 7 d)included stent-related perforations(4/36,11.1%)and stent occlusion(1/36,2.8%)in Group W and stent occlusion(2/51,3.9%)in Group N.The stent-related perforation rate in Group W was significantly higher than that in Group N(P<0.05).No adverse event was observed in Group MD.CONCLUSION In our early and limited experience,the newly developed Niti-S MD type colonic stent was effective and safe for treating acute malignant colonic obstruction.

Preoperative colonic stents vs emergency surgery for acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction: meta-analysis with systematic review of the literature

AIM To investigate by meta-analytic study and systematic review, advantages of colonic stent placement in comparison with emergency surgery.METHODS We conducted an extensive literature search by PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and the Cochrane Libraries. We searched for all the papers in English published till February 2016, by applying combinations of the following terms: Obstructive colon cancer, colon cancer in emergency, colorectal stenting, emergency surgery for colorectal cancer, guidelines for obstructive colorectal cancer, stenting vs emergency surgery in the treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer, selfexpanding metallic stents, stenting as bridge to surgery. The study was designed following the PrismaStatement. By our search, we identified 452 studies, and 57 potentially relevant studies in full-text were reviewed by 2 investigators; ultimately, 9 randomized controlled trials were considered for meta-analysis and all the others were considered for systematic review.RESULTS In the meta-analysis, by comparing colonic stenting(CS) as bridge to surgery and emergency surgery, the pooled analysis showed no significant difference between the two techniques in terms of mortality [odds ratio(oR) = 0.91], morbidity(oR = 2.38) or permanent stoma rate(oR = 1.67); primary anastomosis was more frequent in the stent group(oR = 0.45; P = 0.004) and stoma creation was more frequent in the emergency surgery group(oR = 2.36; P = 0.002). No statistical difference was found in disease-free survival and overall survival. The pooled analysis showed a significant difference between the colonic stent and emergency surgery groups(oR = 0.37), with a significantly higher 1-year recurrence rate in the stent group(P = 0.007).CONCLUSION CS improves primary anastomosis rate with significantly high 1-year follow-up recurrence and no statistical difference in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival.

Colonic perforation with duodenal-colic fistula formation by a biliary stent in a liver transplant recipient

Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is increasing utilized in the setting of liver transplantation for a number of post-operative related biliary issues. Although ERCP represents an excellent technology, it is not without attendant risk including sepsis, bleeding and perforation. In this case report, the first of its kind, is described the occurrence of a migrated biliary stent induced duodenal-colic fistula formation in a liver transplantation patient who had required dual biliary stenting given post-operative biliary structuring. The placement of dual stents and their size are likely implicated in the cause of perforation. The enteric anatomy and the medical immunosuppression likely contributed to a delay in diagnosis and worse outcome.

Self-expanding metallic stents drainage for acute proximal colon obstruction

AIM: To clarify the usefulness of the self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) in the management of acute proximal colon obstruction due to colon carcinoma before curative surgery.METHODS: Eighty-one colon (proximal to spleen flex) carcinoma patients (47 males and 34 females,aged 18-94 years,mean = 66.2 years) treated between September 2004 and June 2010 for acute colon obstruction were enrolled to this study,and their clinical and radiological features were reviewed.After a cleaning enema was administered,urgent colonoscopy was performed.Subsequently,endoscopic decompression using SEMS placement was attempted.RESULTS: Endoscopic decompression using SEMS placement was technically successful in 78 (96.3%) of 81 patients.Three patients’ symptoms could not be relieved after SEMS placement and emergent operation was performed 1 d later.The site of obstruction was transverse colon in 18 patients,the hepatic flex in 42,and the ascending colon in 21.Following adequate cleansing of the colon,patients’ abdominal girth was decreased from 88 ± 3 cm before drainage to 72 ± 6 cm 7 d later,and one-stage surgery after 8 ± 1 d (range,7-10 d) was performed.No anastomotic leakage or postoperative stenosis occurred after operation.CONCLUSION: SEMS placement is effective and safe in the management of acute proximal colon obstruction due to colon carcinoma,and is considered as a bridged method before curative surgery.

Successful management of therapy-refractory pseudoachalasia after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy by bypassing colonic pull-up:A case report

BACKGROUND Gastric pull-up after esophagectomy is still a demanding surgical procedure and associated with considerable morbidity such as anastomotic leaks,fistulas or stenoses.These complications are usually managed by endoscopy,but in extreme cases multidisciplinary management including reoperations may be necessary.Here,we report managing therapy-refractory pseudoachalasia after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy by bypassing colonic pull-up.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old male with dysphagia and regurgitation after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up reconstruction was transferred to our tertiary hospital.Since endoscopic approaches including balloon dilatation and stenting failed,retrosternal colonic pull-up with Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed with no subsequent adverse events.CONCLUSION Secondary colonic pull-up is a demanding but successful surgical procedure in patients suffering from therapy-refractory complaints after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up reconstruction.