Abstract
BACKGROUND: Up to 30% of patients with pancreatic cancer and more than 50% of patients with gastric cancer already have incurable disease, with distressing symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction at the time of presentation which require effective palliation. We decided to test the clinical outcomes of endoscopic stent placement in malignant gastric outlet obstruction. METHODS: In a retrospective single institution-based study, the charts of patients who had self-expandable metal stents placed to alleviate malignant gastric outlet obstruction were reviewed. Charts were reviewed to assess improvement in oral intake according to the Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System (GOOSS), and in order to also evaluate technical success and complications of the procedure. RESULTS: 69 patients with successful stent placement were retrospectively evaluated. Within 7 and 28 days after stent placement respectively, 85.5% and 80% benefited from stent insertion, with an increase in the GOOSS score of > 1. Resumption of soft or low residue diet (GOOSS 2-3) was achieved in 53.6% at day 7 and in 62% of patients at day 28, respectively. Of the patients achieving a GOOSS score of 2-3, 17.3% remained on a soft or low residue diet at 24 weeks or at last follow up, while 46% died. Stent related adverse events occurred in 10 patients (14%), including stent blockade in 7 and stent migration in 3 patients. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic enteral stenting promptly increases oral intake in the majority of patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction and is a safe procedure with a low rate of serious complications.