Self-expanding metal stents for the palliation of malignant gastroduodenal obstruction in patients unsuitable for surgical bypass.

BACKGROUND: The primary therapeutic goals in patients with gastroduodenal obstruction secondary to advanced malignancy are the re-introduction of an enteral diet and early discharge. The endoscopic placement of expandable metal stents has been proposed as an alternative technique for palliation in patients not suitable for surgery.

AIM: To review our experience with gastroduodenal metal stent insertion for the palliation of malignant gastric and duodenal obstruction.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of the notes of all patients who underwent gastroduodenal stent insertion in our unit.

RESULTS: Forty patients (mean age, 64.5 years; range, 34-93 years) underwent insertion of an enteral stent for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. The primary tumour was gastric in 20 patients, pancreatico-biliary in 15 and metastatic in five. A stent was successfully placed in all cases. Thirty-two patients have subsequently died, the median (range) survival being 7 weeks (1 week to 10 months). Thirty-three patients (82.5%) were discharged from hospital. During follow-up, 12 patients (30%) returned to a solid diet, 20 (50%) required a soft diet, six (15%) tolerated liquids and two (5%) were unable to tolerate any enteral nutrition.

CONCLUSION: The use of enteral stents achieves good palliation, allowing discharge from hospital and re-introduction of an enteral diet.