Decompression of Malignant Large-bowel Obstruction with a Self-expanding Metallic Stent or Transanal Drainage Tube

Objective To compare the outcomes after self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) or transanal drainage tube (TDT) placement in patients with malignant large-bowel obstruction (MLBO). Methods Seventy-three patients with MLBO from the clinical unit underwent SEMS (n = 51) or TDT (n = 22) placement from 2012 to 2017. The success rates of placement, clinical outcomes after decompression, complications, the time to resuming enteral nutrition (EN), Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scoring and the following-up therapeutic options were investigated. Results Technical success were achieved in 100% of patients in both groups. The clinical success rates were 98.0%(50/51) for SEMS and 95.5%(21/22) for TDT. No perforation was found in any group, while 3.9%(2/51) in the SEMS and 18.2%(4/22) in TDT group experienced displacement (P = 0.26). It took 2.1 IQR (0~2) days and 3 IQR (2~5) days to resume EN in the SEMS and TDT groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The KPS scores were significantly higher in patients implanted with SEMS (70, IQR 50~80) than in those with TDT (35, IQR 30~50)(P < 0.001). In the SEMS group, 37.3%(19/51) of patients underwent stenting as a bridge to surgery, 9.8%(5/51) for chemotherapy only and 52.9%(27/51) for palliation, while 40.9%(9/22), 0 and 59.1%(13/22) underwent placement for these reasons in the TDT group, respectively. The majority (6/9) of the patients who underwent TDT placement as a bridge to surgery required stoma creation, while only 31.6%(6/19) of those in the SEMS group needed a stoma (P = 0.080). In addition, anastomotic leakage was only found in the TDT group (2/9)(P = 0.10). Conclusion Both SEMS and TDT placement could provide clinical relief for MLBO. However, SEMS placement is associated with earlier EN, fewer complications, and benefits for the postoperative quality-of-life.

Response letter to “Acute cholangitis: Does malignant biliary obstruction vs choledocholithiasis etiology change the outcomes?” with imaging aspects

Radiological imaging findings may contribute to the differentiation of malignant biliary obstruction from choledocholithiasis in the etiology of acute cholangitis.

Imaging features of malignant vs stone-induced biliary obstruction:Aspects to consider

Radiological studies play a crucial role in the evaluation of patients with biliary duct obstruction,allowing for the guidance of clinical diagnosis towards a malignant or stone-induced etiology through the recognition of relevant imaging features,which must be continuously revisited given their prognostic significance.This article aims to emphasize the importance of recognizing crucial imaging aspects of malignant and stone-induced biliary obstruction.

Results of Surgical Management of Malignant Obstruction of the Common Bile Duct in Yaoundé

Introduction: In Cameroon, surgery remains the only approach in malignant obstructions of the common bile duct (MOCBD) even in palliative situations. The aim of this work was to describe the modalities of surgical treatment of MOCBD, evaluate the results and detect the factors associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Patients and Methods: We conducted an analytical observational study, with retrospective data collection from the files of patients operated upon for MOCBD. This was done in four referral hospitals in the city of Yaoundé for a 42-month period spanning from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023. Demographic data, clinical presentation, surgical data, and 30-day postoperative outcomes were collected. Results: We collected 71 files. The sex ratio was 1.4 and the mean age was 56 ± 11 years. Fifty-three (53) patients (74.6%) were overweight or obese and 10 patients (14.1%) were hypertensive. A clinical cholestasis syndrome was present in 69 patients (97.2%). Fifty-five (55) patients (77.5%) had a cancer of the head of the pancreas, 8 patients (11.3%) had an extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 8 patients (11.3%) had an ampullary adenocarcinoma. Eight (8) resections (11.3%) with curative intent had been carried out and in 63 cases (88.7%), surgery was palliative. Postoperative morbidity was 55.7%, influenced by advanced WHO stage (p = 0.02). Postoperative mortality was 25.7%, associated with a high ASA score (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Pancreatic head cancer is the main etiology of malignant obstructions of the common bile duct in Cameroon. Surgical treatment is most often palliative. Postoperative morbidity and mortality are high, influenced by high WHO and ASA scores.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic biliary radiofrequency ablation in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage(PTCD)and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography/endoscopic nasobiliary drainage are the most common clinical procedures for jaundice control in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice,yet the safety and effect of endobiliary radiofrequency ablation(EB-RFA)combined PTCD is rarely reported,in this article,we report our experience of EB-RFA combined PTCD in such patients.AIM To retrospectively study the efficacy and safety of EB-RFA combined PTCD in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice.METHODS Patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice treated with EB-RFA under PTCD were selected,the bile ducts of the right posterior lobe was selected as the target bile ducts in all cases.The general conditions of all patients,preoperative tumour markers,total bilirubin(TBIL),direct bilirubin(DBIL),albumin(ALB),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),and glutamyl transferase(GGT)before and on the 7th day after the procedure,as well as perioperative complications,stent patency time and patient survival were recorded.RESULTS All patients successfully completed the operation,TBIL and DBIL decreased significantly in all patients at the 7th postoperative day(P=0.009 and 0.006,respectively);the values of ALB,ALP and GGT also decreased compared with the preoperative period,but the difference was not statistically significant.Perioperative biliary bleeding occurred in 2 patients,which was improved after transfusion of blood and other conservative treatments,pancreatitis appeared in 1 patient after the operation,no serious complication and death happened after operation.Except for 3 patients with loss of visits,the stent patency rate of the remaining 14 patients was 100%71%and 29%at the 1^(st),3^(rd),and 6^(th)postoperative months respectively,with a median survival of 4 months.CONCLUSION EB-RFA under PTCD in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice has a satisfactory therapeutic effect and high safety,which is worthy of further clinical practice.

Acute cholangitis: Does malignant biliary obstruction vs choledocholithiasis etiology change the clinical presentation and outcomes?

BACKGROUND Whether clinical outcomes of acute cholangitis(AC)vary by etiology is unclear.AIM To compare outcomes in AC caused by malignant biliary obstruction(MBO)and common bile duct stones(CBDS).METHODS This retrospective study included 516 patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)due to AC caused by MBO(MBO group,n=56)and CBDS(CBDS group,n=460).Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between the groups.Propensity score matching(PSM)created 55 matched pairs.Confounders used in the PSM analysis were age,sex,time to ERCP,and technical success of ERCP.The primary outcome comparison was 30-d mortality.The secondary outcome comparisons were intensive care unit(ICU)admission rate,length of hospital stay(LOHS),and 30-d readmission rate.RESULTS Compared with the CBDS group,the MBO group had significantly lower body temperature,percentage of abnormal white blood cell counts,and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,and creatinine.Body temperature,percent abnormal white blood cell count,and serum aspartate aminotransferase levels remained significantly lower in the MBO group in the PSM analysis.Platelet count,prothrombin time/international normalized ratio,and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin were significantly higher in the MBO group.The MBO group had a significantly higher percentage of severe AC(33.9%vs 22.0%,P=0.045)and received ERCP later(median,92.5 h vs 47.4 h,P<0.001).However,the two differences were not found in the PSM analysis.The 30-d mortality(5.4%vs 0.7%,P=0.019),ICU admission rates(12.5%vs 4.8%,P=0.028),30-d readmission rates(23.2%vs 8.0%,P<0.001),and LOHS(median,16.5 d vs 7.0 d,P<0.001)were significantly higher or longer in the MBO group.However,only LOHS remained significant in the PSM analysis.Multivariate analysis revealed that time to ERCP and multiple organ dysfunction were independent factors associated with 30-d mortality.CONCLUSION MBO patients underwent ERCP later and thus had a worse prognosis than CBDS patients.Therefore,clinicians should remain vigilant in MBO patients with clinically suspected AC,and perform ERCP for biliary drainage as soon as possible.

Effectiveness of a new approach to minimally invasive surgery in palliative treatment of patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND Palliative endoscopic biliary drainage is the primary treatment option for the management of patients with jaundice which results from distal malignant biliary obstruction(DMBO).In this group of patients,decompression of the bile duct(BD)allows for pain reduction,symptom relief,chemotherapy administration,improved quality of life,and increased survival rate.To reduce the unfavorable effects of BD decompression,minimally invasive surgical techniques require continuous improvement.AIM To develop a technique for internal-external biliary-jejunal drainage(IEBJD)and assess its effectiveness in comparison to other minimally invasive procedures in the palliative treatment of patients with DMBO.METHODS A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed,which included 134 patients with DMBO who underwent palliative BD decompression.Biliary-jejunal drainage was developed to divert bile from the BD directly into the initial loops of the small intestine to prevent duodeno-biliary reflux.IEBJD was carried out using percutaneous transhepatic access.Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD),endoscopic retrograde biliary stenting(ERBS),and internal-external transpapillary biliary drainage (IETBD) were used for the treatment of studypatients. Endpoints of the study were the clinical success of the procedure, the frequency andnature of complications, and the cumulative survival rate.RESULTSThere were no significant differences in the frequency of minor complications between the studygroups. Significant complications occurred in 5 (17.2%) patients in the IEBJD group, in 16 (64.0%)in the ERBS group, in 9 (47.4%) in the IETBD group, and in 12 (17.4%) in the PTBD group.Cholangitis was the most common severe complication. In the IEBJD group, the course ofcholangitis was characterized by a delayed onset and shorter duration as compared to other studygroups. The cumulative survival rate of patients who underwent IEBJD was 2.6 times higher incomparison to those of the PTBD and IETBD groups and 20% higher in comparison to that of theERBS group.CONCLUSIONIEBJD has advantages over other minimally invasive BD decompression techniques and can berecommended for the palliative treatment of patients with DMBO.

Different percutaneous transhepatic biliary stent placements and catheter drainage in the treatment of middle and low malignant biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND For cases of middle and low biliary obstruction with left and right hepatic duct dilatation,the type of approach and whether different approaches affect the difficulty of puncture operation and intraoperative and postoperative complications have not been discussed in detail.AIM To compare the efficacy of different percutaneous transhepatic biliary stent placements and catheter drainage in treating middle and low biliary obstruction.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of 424 patients with middle and low biliary obstruction who underwent percutaneous liver puncture biliary stent placement and catheter drainage at the Department of Interventional Radiology,Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital between March 2016 and March 2022.Based on the puncture path,patients were categorized into two groups:Subxiphoid left hepatic lobe approach group(Group A,224 cases)and right intercostal,right hepatic lobe approach group(Group B,200 cases).Liver function improvement,postoperative biliary bleeding incidence,postoperative pain duration,and abdominal effusion leakage around the drainage tube were compared between the two groups at 3 d and 1 wk after the surgery.Patient survival time was recorded during follow-up.RESULTS All 424 surgeries were successful without adverse events.Group A comprised 224 cases,and Group B had 200 cases.There was no statistically significant difference in basic data between Group A and Group B(P>0.05).No significant difference in postoperative biliary bleeding incidence was observed between the groups(P>0.05).The decreased rates for total bilirubin(Group A:69.23±4.50,Group B:63.79±5.65),direct bilirubin(Group A:79.30±11.19,Group B:63.62±5.64),and alkaline phosphatase(Group A:60.51±12.23,Group B:42.68±23.56)in the 1st wk after surgery were significantly faster in Group A than in Group B.The decreased rate of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase was also significantly faster in Group A at both 3 d(Group A:40.56±10.32,Group B:32.22±5.12)and 1 wk(Group A:73.19±7.05,Group B:58.81±18.98)after surgery(P<0.05).Group A experienced significantly less peritoneal effusion leakage around the drainage tube than Group B(P<0.05).The patient survival rate was higher in Group A compared to Group B(P<0.05).CONCLUSION In treating jaundice patients with middle and low biliary obstruction,a percutaneous left liver puncture demonstrated better clinical efficacy than a percutaneous right liver puncture.

Palliative treatment for incurable malignant colorectal obstructions: A meta-analysis

AIM:To perform a meta-analysis of palliative stent placement vs palliative surgical decompression for management of incurable malignant colorectal obstructions.METHODS:The databases of Medline,Web of Science,Embase,and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from their inception to July 2012 for studies(prospective,retrospective,randomized controlled trials,and case-control trials)designed as comparative analyses of patients with incurable malignant colorectal obstructions treated by selfexpanding metallic stents(SEMS)or palliative surgery.No language restrictions were imposed.The main outcome measures were hospital stay,intensive care unit admission,clinical success rate,30-d mortality,stoma formation,complications,and overall survival time.The data extraction was conducted by two investigators working independently and using a standardized form.The Mantel-Haenszel 2method was used to estimate the pooled risk ratios with 95%CI under a fixed-effects model;when statistical heterogeneity existed in the pooled data(as evaluated by Q test and I2statistics,where P<0.10 and I2<25%indicated heterogeneity),a random-effects model was used.RESULTS:Thirteen relevant articles,representing837 patients(SEMS group,n=404;surgery group,n=433),were selected for analysis.Compared to the surgery group,the SEMS group showed lower clinical success(99.8%vs 93.1%,P=0.0009)but shorter durations of hospital stay(18.84 d vs 9.55 d,P<0.00001)and time to initiation of chemotherapy(33.36 d vs15.53 d,P<0.00001),and lower rate of stoma formation(54.0%vs 12.7%,P<0.00001).Additionally,the SEMS group experienced a significantly lower rate of30-d mortality(4.2%vs 10.5%,P=0.01).Stent-related complications were not uncommon and included perforation(10.1%),migration(9.2%),and occlusion(18.3%).Surgery-related complications were slightly less common and included wound infection(5.0%)and anastomotic leak(4.7%).The rate of total complications was similar between these two groups(SEMS:34.0%vs surgery:38.1%,P=0.60),but the surgeryrelated complications occurred earlier than stent-related complications(rate of early complications:33.7%vs13.7%,P=0.03;rate of late complications:32.3%vs12.7%,P<0.0001).The overall survival time of SEMSand surgery-treated patients was not significantly different(7.64 mo vs 7.88 mo).CONCLUSION:SEMS is less effective than surgery for palliation of incurable malignant colorectal obstructions,but is associated with a shorter time to chemotherapy and lower 30-d mortality.

Multicenter study of endoscopic preoperative biliary drainage for malignant distal biliary obstruction

AIM: To determine the optimal method of endoscopic preoperative biliary drainage for malignant distal biliary obstruction.METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study was conducted in patients who underwent plastic stent(PS) or nasobiliary catheter(NBC) placement for resectable malignant distal biliary obstruction followed by surgery between January 2010 and March 2012. Procedurerelated adverse events, stent/catheter dysfunction(occlusion or migration of PS/NBC, developmentof cholangitis, or other conditions that required repeat endoscopic biliary intervention), and jaundice resolution(bilirubin level < 3.0 mg/d L) were evaluated. Cumulative incidence of jaundice resolution and dysfunction of PS/NBC were estimated using competing risk analysis. Patient characteristics and preoperative biliary drainage were also evaluated for association with the time to jaundice resolution and PS/NBC dysfunction using competing risk regression analysis.RESULTS: In total, 419 patients were included in the study(PS, 253 and NBC, 166). Primary cancers included pancreatic cancer in 194 patients(46%), bile duct cancer in 172(41%), gallbladder cancer in three(1%), and ampullary cancer in 50(12%). The median serum total bilirubin was 7.8 mg/d L and 324 patients(77%) had ≥ 3.0 mg/d L. During the median time to surgery of 29 d [interquartile range(IQR), 30-39 d]. PS/NBC dysfunction rate was 35% for PS and 18% for NBC [Subdistribution hazard ratio(SHR) = 4.76; 95%CI: 2.44-10.0, P < 0.001]; the pig-tailed tip was a risk factor for PS dysfunction. Jaundice resolution was achieved in 85% of patients and did not depend on the drainage method(PS or NBC).CONCLUSION: PS has insufficient patency for preoperative biliary drainage. Given the drawbacks of external drainage via NBC, an alternative method of internal drainage should be explored.

A temporary self-expanding metallic stent for malignant colorectal obstruction

AIM:To investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of a temporary self-expanding metallic stent(SEMS) for malignant colorectal obstruction.METHODS:From September 2007 to June 2012,33 patients with malignant colorectal obstruction were treated with a temporary SEMS.The stent had a tubular configuration with a retrieval lasso attached inside the proximal end of the stent to facilitate its removal.The SEMS was removed one week after placement.Clinical examination,abdominal X-ray and a contrast study were prospectively performed and both initial and follow-up data before and at 1 d,1 wk,and 1 mo,3 mo,6 mo and 12 mo after stent placement were obtained.Data collected on the technical and clinical success of the procedures,complications,need for reinsertion and survival were analyzed.RESULTS:Stent placement and removal were technically successful in all patients with no procedurerelated complications.Post-procedural complications included stent migration(n = 2) and anal pain(n = 2).Clinical success was achieved in 31(93.9%) of 33 patients with resolution of bowel obstruction within 3 d of stent removal.Eleven of the 33 patients died 73.81 ± 23.66 d(range 42-121 d) after removal of the stent without colonic re-obstruction.Clinical success was achieved in another 8 patients without symptoms of obstruction during the follow-up period.Reinsertion of the stent was performed in the remaining 12 patients with re-obstruction after 84.33 ± 51.80 d of follow-up.The mean and median periods of relief of obstructive symptoms were 97.25 ± 9.56 d and 105 ± 17.43 d,respectively,using Kaplan-Meier analysis.CONCLUSION:Temporary SEMS is a safe and effective approach in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction due to low complication rates and good medium-term outcomes.

Contrast-free air cholangiography-assisted unilateral plastic stenting in malignant hilar biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND:Endoscopic palliation in malignant hilar biliary obstruction requires endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP),whereas contrast injection leads to cholangitis.Contrast-free metal stenting with or without magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) has shown encouraging results,but MRCP and metal stents are costly.There have been no reports on the use of air cholangiography.METHODS:We prospectively evaluated the role of air cholangiography-assisted unilateral plastic stenting in 10 patients with type Ⅱ malignant hilar biliary obstruction.A retrospectively analysed group of 10 patients treated with contrast-free unilateral metal stenting served as historical controls.RESULTS:Ten patients with unresectable type Ⅱ malignant hilar biliary obstruction were studied.Air cholangiography detected type Ⅱ obstruction in all patients,similar to MRCP.The patients underwent unilateral stenting.Successful endoscopic drainage was achieved in all patients.The mean patency of the stent was 95.8±17.5 days in the study group and 143.9±115.1 days in the control group (P=0.20).The mean survival was 121.8±41.6 days in the study group and 154.9±122.5 days in the control group (P=0.42).KaplanMeier analysis showed an estimated median survival of 100:95% CI (65.9,134.1) days in the study group and 98:95% CI (84.1,111.9) days in the control group (P=0.62).Cholangitis occurred in none of the patients and there were no 30-day deaths nor major complications.Air cholangiographyassisted unilateral plastic stenting was cheaper than contrastfree unilateral metal stenting.CONCLUSION:Air cholangiography-assisted unilateral plastic stenting is as safe and effective as contrast-free unilateral metal stenting in type Ⅱ malignant hilar biliary obstruction for palliating patients,but it is cheaper.

Safety and efficacy of metallic stent for unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction in elderly patients

AIM To study the safety of insertion of metallic stents in elderly patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction.METHODS Of 272 patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction, 184 patients under the age of 80 were classified into Group A, and 88 subjects aged 80 years or more were classified into Group B. The safety of metallic stent insertion, metal stent patency period, and the obstruction rate were examined in each group.RESULTS In Group B, patients had a significantly worse per-formance status, high blood pressure, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and dementia; besides the rate of patients orally administered antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants tended to be higher(P < 0.05). Metallic stents were successfully inserted in all patients. The median patency period was 265.000 ± 26.779(1-965) d; 252.000 ± 35.998(1-618) d in Group A and 269.000 ± 47.885(1-965) d in Group B, with no significant difference between the two groups. Metallic stent obstruction occurred in 82 of the 272(30.15%) patients; in 53/184(28.80%) patients in Group A and in 29/88(32.95%) of those in Group B, showing no significant difference between the two groups. Procedural accidents due to metal stent insertion occurred in 24/272(8.8%) patients; in 17/184(9.2%) of patients in Group A and in 7/88(8.0%) of those in Group B, with no significant difference between the two groups, either.CONCLUSION These results suggested that metallic stents can be safely inserted to treat unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction even in elderly patients aged 80 years or more.

New antireflux plastic stent for patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND Endoscopic biliary stenting is a well-established palliative treatment for patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction(MBO). However, the main problem with stent placement is the relatively short duration of stent patency.Although self-expanding metal stents(SEMSs) have a longer patency period than plastic stents(PSs), the higher costs limit the wide use of SEMSs. A PS with an antireflux valve is an attractive idea to prolong stent patency, but no ideal design for an antireflux PS(ARPS) has been proposed. We developed a new ARPS with a "duckbilled" valve attached to the duodenal end of the stent.AIM To compare the patency of ARPSs with that of traditional PSs(TPSs) in patients with unresectable distal MBO.METHODS We conducted a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study. This study was conducted at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Consecutive patients with extrahepatic MBO were enrolled prospectively. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive either an ARPS or a TPS. Patients were followed by clinic visits or telephone interviews every 1-2 mo until stent exchange, death, or the final study follow-up in October 2018. The primary outcome was the duration of stent patency. Secondary outcomes included the rate of technical success, the rate of clinical success,adverse events, and patient survival.RESULTS Between February 2016 and December 2017, 38 patients were randomly assigned to two groups, with 19 patients in each group, to receive ARPSs or TPSs. Stent insertion was technically successful in all patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the rates of clinical success or the rates of early or late adverse events(P = 0.660, 1.000, and 1.000, respectively). The median duration of stent patency in the ARPS group was 285 d [interquartile range(IQR),170], which was significantly longer than that in the TPS group(median, 130 d;IQR, 90, P = 0.005). No significant difference in patient survival was noted between the two groups(P = 0.900).CONCLUSION The new ARPS is safe and effective for the palliation of unresectable distal MBO,and has a significantly longer stent patency than a TPS.

New 14-mm diameter Niti-S biliary uncovered metal stent for unresectable distal biliary malignant obstruction

AIM To investigate whether an uncovered self-expandable metal stent(UCSEMS) with a large diameter could prevent recurrent biliary obstruction(RBO).METHODS Thirty-eight patients with malignant biliary obstruction underwent treatment with an UCSEMS with a 14-mm diameter(Niti-S 14). Retrospectively, we evaluated technical and functional success rate, RBO rate, time to RBO, survival time, and adverse events in these patients.RESULTS Stent placement success and functional success were achieved in all patients. Two patients(5.3%) had RBO due to tumor ingrowth or overgrowth. The median time to RBO was 190(range, 164-215) d. The median survival time was 120(range, 18-502) d. The 6-mo non-RBO rate was 91%. Other adverse events other than RBO occurred as follows: Acute cholecystitis, post-ERCP pancreatitis, hemobilia, and fever without exacerbation of liver injury, and liver abscess in 4(10.3%), 3(7.9%), 2(5.3%), 1(2.6%), and 1(2.6%), respectively. Migration of the stents was not observed.CONCLUSION Niti-S 14 is considered to be a preferable metal stent because of a low rate of RBO with no migration.

Percutaneous trans-hepatic bilateral biliary stenting in Bismuth Ⅳ malignant obstruction

AIM: To investigate the clinical efficiency of percutaneous trans-hepatic bilateral biliary metallic stenting for the management of Bismuth Ⅳ malignant obstructive disease. METHODS: Our hospital's database was searched for all patients suffering from the inoperable malignant biliary obstruction Bismuth Ⅳ, and treated with percutaneous bilateral trans-hepatic placement of selfexpandable nitinol stents. The indication for percutaneous stenting was an inoperable, malignant, symptomatic, biliary obstruction. An un-correctable coagulation disorder was the only absolute contra-indication for treatment. Bismuth grading was performed using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Computed tomography evaluation of the lesion and the dilatation status of the biliary tree was always performed prior to the procedure. All procedures were performed under conscious sedation. A single trans-hepatic track technique was preferred (T-configuration stenting) and a second, contra-lateral trans-hepatic track (Y-configuration stenting) was used only in cases of inability to access the contra-lateral lobe using a single track technique. The study's primary endpoints were clinical success, defined as a decrease in bilirubin levels within 10 d and patient survival rates. Secondary endpoints included peri-procedural complications, primary and secondary patency rates. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients (18 female, 51.4%) with a mean age 69 ± 13 years (range 33-88) were included in the study. The procedures were performed between March 2000 and June 2008 and mean time follow-up was 13.5 ± 22.0 mo (range 0-96). The underlying malignant disease was cholangiocarcinoma (n = 10), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 9), pancreatic carcinoma (n = 5), gastric cancer (n = 2), bile duct tumor (n = 2), colorectal cancer (n = 2), gallbladder carcinoma (n = 2), lung cancer (n = 1), breast cancer (n = 1) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 1). In all cases, various self-expandable bare metal stents with diameters ranging from 7 to 10 mm were used. Stents were placed in Y-configuration in 24/35 cases (68.6%) using two stents in 12/24 patients and three stents in 12/24 cases (50%). A T-configuration stent placement was performed in 11/35 patients (31.4%), using two stents in 4/11 cases (36.4%) and three stents in 7/11 cases (63.6%). Follow-up was available in all patients (35/35). Patient survival ranged from 0 to 1763 d and the mean survival time was 168 d. Clinical success rate was 77.1% (27/35 cases), and peri-procedural mortality rate was 5.7% (2/35 patients). Biliary reobstruction due to stent occlusion occurred in 25.7% of the cases (9/35 patients), while in 7/11 (63.6%) one additional percutaneous re-intervention due to stent occlusion resulting in clinical relapse of symptomatology was successfully performed. In the remaining 4/11 patients (36.4%) more than 1 additional reintervention was performed. The median decrease of total serum bilirubin was 60.5% and occurred in 81.8% of the cases (27/33 patients). The median primary and secondary patency was 105 (range 0-719) and 181 d (range 5-1763), respectively. According to the KaplanMeyer survival analysis, the estimated survival rate was 73.5%, 47.1% and 26.1% at 1, 6 and 12 mo respectively, while the 8-year survival rate was 4.9%. Major and minor complication rates were 5.7% (2/35 patients) and 17.1% (6/35 patients), respectively. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous bilateral biliary stenting is a safe and clinically effective palliative approach in patients suffering from Bismuth Ⅳ malignant obstruction.

Stents for malignant ureteral obstruction

Malignant ureteral obstruction can result in renal dysfunction or urosepsis and can limit the physician’s ability to treat the underlying cancer.There are multiple methods to deal with ureteral obstruction including regular polymeric double J stents(DJS),tandem DJS,nephrostomy tubes,and then more specialized products such as solid metal stents(e.g.,Resonance Stent,Cook Medical)and polyurethane stents reinforced with nickel-titanium(e.g.,UVENTA stents,TaeWoong Medical).In patients who require long-term stenting,a nephrostomy tube could be transformed subcutaneously into an extra-anatomic stent that is then inserted into the bladder subcutaneously.We outline the most recent developments published since 2012 and report on identifiable risk factors that predict for failure of urinary drainage.These failures are typically a sign of cancer progression and the natural history of the disease rather than the individual type of drainage device.Factors that were identified to predict drainage failure included low serum albumin,bilateral hydronephrosis,elevated C-reactive protein,and the presence of pleural effusion.Head-to-head studies show that metal stents are superior to polymeric DJS in terms of maintaining patency.Discussions with the patient should take into consideration the frequency that exchanges will be needed,the need for externalized hardware(with nephrostomy tubes),or severe urinary symptoms in the case of internal DJS.This review will highlight the current state of diversions in the setting of malignant ureteral obstruction.

Double-layered covered stent for the treatment of malignant oesophageal obstructions: Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM To investigate the efficacy of double-layered covered stent in the treatment of malignant oesophageal obstructions.METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed following the PRISMA process. Pub Med(Medline),EMBASE(Excerpta Medical Database),AMED(Allied and Complementary medicine Database),Scopus and online content,were searched for studies reporting on the Ni Ti-S polyurethane-covered double oesophageal stent for the treatment of malignant dysphagia. Weighted pooled outcomes were synthesized with a random effects model to account for clinical heterogeneity. All studies reporting the outcome of palliative management of dysphagia due to histologically confirmed malignant oesophageal obstruction using double-layered covered nitinol stent were included. The level of statistical significance was set at α = 0.05.RESULTS Six clinical studies comprising 250 patients in total were identified. Pooled technical success of stent insertion was 97.2%(95%CI: 94.8%-98.9%; I2 = 5.8%). Pooled complication rate was 27.6%(95%CI: 20.7%-35.2%; I2 = 41.9%). Weighted improvement of dysphagia on a scale of 0-5 scoring system was-2.00 [95%CI:-2.29%-(-1.72%); I2 = 87%]. Distal stent migration was documented in 10 out of the 250 cases examined.Pooled stent migration rate was 4.7%(95%CI: 2.5%-7.7%; I2 = 0%). Finally,tumour overgrowth was reported in 34 out of the 250 cases with pooled rate of tumour overgrowth of 11.2%(95%CI: 3.7%-22.1%; I2 = 82.2%). No funnel plot asymmetry to suggest publication bias(bias = 0.39,P = 0.78). In the sensitivity analysis all results were largely similar between the fixed and random effects models.CONCLUSION The double-layered nitinol stent provides immediate relief of malignant dysphagia with low rates of stent migration and tumour

Surgical intervention for malignant bowel obstruction caused by gastrointestinal malignancies

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

Radiological interventions in malignant biliary obstruction

Malignant biliary obstruction is commonly caused by gall bladder carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic nodes. Percutaneous interventions play an important role in managing these patients. Biliary drainage, which forms the major bulk of radiological interventions, can be pal iative in inoperable patients or pre-operative to improve liver function prior to surgery. Other interventions include cholecystostomy and radiofrequency ablation. We present here the indications, contraindications, technique and complications of the radiological interventions performed in patients with malignant biliary obstruction.