Comprehensive minimally invasive treatment for biliary anastomotic stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation: a single center analysis of 60 cases / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-based comprehensive minimally invasive treatment for biliary anastomotic stenosis (BAS) after liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 60 BAS recipients after liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed, 54 male and 6 female, aged (48±10) years. ERCP was initially carried out. If it succeeded, plastic or metallic stents were placed into the biliary tract. If it failed, percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) or single-operator cholangioscopy (SpyGlass) was adopted to pass through the stenosis. If all these procedures failed, magnetic anastomosis or other special methods were delivered. The incidence and treatment of BAS after liver transplantation were summarized. The efficacy, stent removal and recurrence were observed. Results The median time of incidence of BAS after liver transplantation was 8 (4, 13) months. Within postoperative 1 year, 1-2 years and over 2 years, 39, 16 and 5 recipients were diagnosed with BAS, respectively. All 60 BAS recipients after liver transplantation were successfully treated, including 56 cases initially receiving ERCP, and 41 completing BAS treatment, with a success rate of 73%. The failure of guide wire was the main cause of ERCP failure. The success rates of PTCD, SpyGlass and magnetic anastomosis were 5/9, 5/7 and 7/8, respectively. Two recipients were successfully treated by percutaneous choledochoscope-assisted blunt guide wire technique and stent placement in the biliary and duodenal fistula. After 3 (3, 4) cycles of ERCP and 13 (8, 18) months of stent indwelling, 38 recipients reached the stent removal criteria, including 25 plastic stents and 13 metallic stents. The indwelling time of plastic stents was longer than that of metallic stents (P < 0.05). Six cases suffered from stenosis recurrence at 12 (8, 33) months after stent removal, and the recurrence rate was 16%. Six patients were treated with ERCP, and 5 of them did not recur after the stents were successfully removed. Multivariate analysis showed that delayed diagnosis of stenosis and frequent ERCP before stent removal were the independent risk factors for BAS recurrence (both P < 0.05). Conclusions ERCP-based comprehensive minimally invasive treatment may improve the success rate of BAS treatment after liver transplantation and yield satisfactory long-term efficacy. Delayed diagnosis of BAS and high frequent ERCP required for stent removal are the independent risk factors for BAS recurrence.

Should the Oddis sphincter be retained? A clinical analysis of biliary metal stent implantation in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice

Objective: We sought to analyze the efficacy and safety of preserving the Oddis sphincter during metallic biliary stent implantation in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective analysis, 133 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice who were admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to January 2017 and who underwent metallic biliary stent implantation were divided into two groups – the Oddis sphincter retention group (n = 55) and the Oddis sphincter nonretention group (n = 78) – according to whether the Oddis sphincter was left untouched during stent placement. The patient clinical data as well as information on complications, time of stent patency, improvement in liver function, and decline of serum bilirubin were reviewed and evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 19.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA, USA) and Prism version 7 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA). Results: The median follow-up time was 9.6 months (range: 1–20 months) and there was no significant difference in general clinical information between the two groups. However, the incidence rates of acute biliary infection, recurrent biliary infection, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, and asymptomatic pancreatic enzyme levels were higher in the Oddis sphincter retention group and the differences were all statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conversely, there were no significant differences in bilirubin decline, liver function improvement, and stent patency between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Leaving the Oddis sphincter untouched during biliary stent placement can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, while there was no effect on stent patency or jaundice relief. Therefore, it is recommended to preserve the Oddis sphincter when the stenosis is more than 3 cm above the duodenal papilla

Safety Evaluation of Paclitaxel-Eluting Biliary Metal Stent with Sodium Caprate in Porcine Biliary Tract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Metallic stents designed to relieve malignant biliary obstruction are susceptible to occlusive tumor ingrowth or overgrowth. In a previous report, we described metallic stents covered with paclitaxel-incorporated membrane (MSCPM-I, II) to prevent occlusion from tumor ingrowth via antitumor effect. This new generation paclitaxel-eluting biliary stent is further endowed with sodium caprate (MSCPM-III) for enhanced drug delivery. The purpose of this study is to examine the safety of its drug delivery system in the porcine biliary tract. METHODS: MSCPM-III (10% [wt/vol] paclitaxel) and covered metal stents (CMSs) were endoscopically inserted in porcine bile ducts in vivo. Histologic biliary changes, levels of paclitaxel released, and various serum analytes (albumin, alkaline phosphate, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, total protein, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin) were assessed. RESULTS: Based on the intensity of reactive inflammation and fibrosis, changes in porcine biliary epithelium secondary to implanted MSCPM-III were deemed acceptable (i.e., safe). Histologic features in the MSCPM-III and CMS groups did not differ significantly. In a related serum analysis, paclitaxel release from MSCPM-III stents was below the limit of detection for 28 days. Biochemical analyses were also similar for the two groups, and no evidence of hepatic or renal toxicity was found in animals receiving MSCPM-III stents. CONCLUSIONS: In a prototypic porcine trial, this newly devised metal biliary stent incorporating both paclitaxel and sodium caprate appears to be safe in the porcine bile duct.

A Novel High-Visibility Radiopaque Tantalum Marker for Biliary Self-Expandable Metal Stents

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Radiopaque metal markers are required to improve X-ray absorption by self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) to enable precise stent placement. A new tantalum radiopaque marker was recently developed using an ultrasonic spray technique. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and visibility of tantalum markers. METHODS: A total of three beagle dogs were used for a gastrointestinal tract absorption test. Five tantalum markers were placed in the stomach of each dog endoscopically. Excreted tantalum markers were collected, and their weights were compared to the original weights. In radiopacity tests, marker radiopacities on X-ray images were quantified using ImageJ software and compared with those of commercially available metal markers. Finally, the radiographic images of six patients who underwent biliary SEMS placement using tantalum marker Nitinol SEMSs (n=3) or gold marker Nitinol SEMSs (n=3) were compared with respect to marker brightness on fluoroscopic images. RESULTS: Absorption testing showed that the marker structures and weights were unaffected. Radiopacity tests showed that the mean brightness and total brightness scores were greater for tantalum markers (226.22 and 757, respectively) than for gold (A, 209 and 355, respectively; B, 204.96 and 394, respectively; C, 194.34 and 281, respectively) or platinum markers (D, 203.6 and 98, respectively). On fluoroscopic images, tantalum markers had higher brightness and total brightness scores (41.47 and 497.67, respectively) in human bile ducts than gold markers (28.37 and 227, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Tantalum markers were found to be more visible than other commercially available markers in X-ray images and to be resistant to gastrointestinal absorption.

Metastatic Gallbladder Cancer Treated with Curative Surgery after Cyclic Chemotherapy and Biliary Drainage / 대한췌담도학회지

Gallbladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract and carries very poor prognosis. Surgery is an only curative modality of treatment in the gallbladder cancer. However, as most of the gallbladder cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages, surgery can be attempted in a very limited number of patients. In advanced stage, treatment option is confined to a palliative systemic chemotherapy, and biliary decompression is needed when cholangitis is suspected. We report a case of 49-year-old patient with metastatic gallbladder cancer treated with successful curative resection after several courses of palliative chemotherapy and biliary decompression.

Clinical Outcomes of Bilateral Stent-in-Stent Placement Using Self-Expandable Metallic Stent for High-Grade Malignant Hilar Biliary Obstruction

PURPOSE: Endoscopic bile duct decompression using bilateral self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) deployed via a stent-in-stent (SIS) method is considered a preferred procedure for malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO). However, occlusion thereof occurs frequently. Here, we investigated stent patency duration and risk factors related to stent obstruction with bilateral SIS placement for MHBO at two large centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study reviewed data on patients with MHBO who underwent endoscopic biliary drainage using the SIS method. Clinical outcomes, including stent patency duration and patient overall survival, were analyzed. Factors associated with stent patency were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Seventy patients with MHBO underwent endoscopic biliary drainage using the SIS method. Median age was 68 years old, and median follow-up duration was 140 days (interquartile range, 57–329). The proportion of high-grade MHBOs (Bismuth type IV) was 57.1%. Median stent patency duration with the SIS method was 108 days according to Kaplan-Meier curves. Median patient survival analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method was 181 days. Multivariate analysis indicated that higher baseline bilirubin (> 6.1 mg/dL) as an independent risk factor related to stent patency (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In endoscopic biliary decompression using SEMS placed with the SIS method, obstructive jaundice was a risk factor for stent patency. The SIS method for high-grade MHBO showed short stent patency.

Nueva prótesis traqueobronquial metálica autoexpandible. Indicaciones y técnica: A propósito de nuestra experiencia en tres casos / New self-expanding metal tracheobronchial prothesis. Indications and technique. Our experience in tree cases

Si bien hasta el momento los stents más utilizados en vía aérea son los de silicona, desde hace un tiempo se utilizan los stents metálicos. Su indicación principal es la estenosis neoplásica maligna traqueal o bronquial. Hemos tenido la oportunidad de colocar un nuevo tipo de SMA en dos indicaciones distintas a la mencionada, por lo que nos parece interesante la descripción de los casos.

Although the most commonly used stents in the air are silicone, stents have been used for some time. Its main indication is malignant tracheal or bronchial neoplastic stenosis. We have had the opportunity to place a new type of SMA in two different indications to the mentioned one, reason why we consider interesting the description of the cases.

Application value of biliary stent in endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography for treatment of benign biliary stricture after liver transplantation / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To explore the application value of plastic biliary stent and fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (FCSEMS) in endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) for treatment of benign biliary stricture after liver transplantation.Methods The retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted.The clinical data of 54 patients with benign biliary stricture after liver transplantation undergoing ERCP treatment who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between January 2010 and August 2016 were collected.Among 54 patients,44 had simple anastomotic stricture and 10 had non-anastomotic stricture.All the patients underwent stent implantation by ERCP.Patients with stricture within 1 month postoperatively initially selected single plastic stent or endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD),and then changed into multiple plastic stents at the second stent replacement.Patients with stricture after 1 month postoperatively selected multiple plastic stents,multiple plastic stents after balloon dilation or FCSEMS.Observation indicators:ERCP situations,stent implantation,time of stent indwelling,postoperative complications,stent dislocation,treatment outcome and follow-up situations.Patients were followed up by outpatient examination and telephone interview up to November 2016.Clinical symptoms of patients were observed within 1 month postoperatively and liver function and abdominal ultrasound were retested.Liver function and remission degree of biliary stricture were monitored regularly once every 3 months.Measurement data were described as average (range).Results All the patients underwent successful ERCP,of which 53 completed the process of ERCP and 1 rejected treatment due to economic problems.All the 54 patients received 140 times ERCPs with an average of 2.59 times per person,21 times ENBDs,11 times FCSEMSs and 108 times plastic stent implantations (including 35 times single stent implantations,46 times double stents implantations,23 times 3-stents implantations and 4 times 4-stents implantations).All the 54 patients were followed up for 3-143 months,with an average time of 73 months.Of 44 with anastomotic stricture,34 received plastic stent implantation and 98 times ERCPs,with an average number of stent implantation of 2 (range,1-4) and an average time of stent indwelling of 10.7 months (range,9.0-13.0months);the postoperative acute pancreatitis,biliary infection,hyperamylasemia and adverse stent implantation or dislocation were detected in 4 persons every time,7 persons every time,10 persons every time and 3 persons every time,respectively;26 patients were cured and 5 were improved,with an effective rate of 91.2％ (31/34);3 patients with noneffective treatment continued to undergo ERCP and 3 patients had recurrence of anastomotic stricture.Among 10 patients with initial FCSEMS implantation,12 times ERCPs were performed,with an average time of stent indwelling of 7.6 months (range,6.0-12.0 months);postoperative biliary infection,hyperamylasemia and stent dislocation were detected in 1 person every time,1 person every time and 1 person every time,respectively;8 patients were cured,with an effective rate of 8/10;of 2 patients with persistent stricture,1 patient received contrast examination after stent removal,showing a comparative stricture in level 1 branch of intrahepatic duct and considering combined ischaemia,and then underwent the second implantation using multiple plastic stents;the other patient had elevated level of jaundice at 3 months after stents removal and received ERCP,showing anastomotic inflammatory polyp,and then underwent FCSEMS implantation again.Ten patients with non-anastomotic stricture received plastic stent implantation and 30 times ERCPs,with an average number of stent implantation of 3 (range,2-4) and an average time of stent indwelling of 11.3 months (range,10.0-14.0 months);the postoperative acute pancreatitis,biliary infection,hyperamylasemia and adverse stent implantation or dislocation were detected in 2 persons every time,5 persons every time,2 persons every time and 1 person every time,respectively;3 patients were cured and 3 were improved,with an effective rate of 6/10;of 4 patients with noneffective treatment,2 died of gradually deteriorating liver function and 2 underwent the second liver transplantation.Conclusions Stent implantation in ERCP is safe and effective for treatment of benign biliary stricture after liver transplantation,single plastic stent should be used in the early period (within 1 month) and multiple plastic stents should be used in the later period.Although FCSEMS has a higher displacement rate,it should be recommended due to a better clinical effect,lower incidence of complications and simple operation.For patients with non-anastomotic stricture,plastic stent should be used for extrahepatic biliary stricture,with a good clinical effect,and there is worse effect in stent implantation through ERCP for multiple intrahepatic biliary strictures.

Endovascular repair of spontaneous extracranial internal carotid artery dissection: observation of mid-term clinical effect in 6 patients / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To preliminary evaluate the mid-term clinical effect of endovascular repair in treating spontaneous extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection,and to observe the patency of stent.Methods The clinical data and imaging materials of 6 patients with spontaneous extracranial ICA dissection,who were treated with endovascular repair during the period from March 2012 to December 2012,were retrospectively analyzed.The U.S.National Institute of Heahh Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were determined before and after endovascular repair,and the postoperative stent patency condition was assessed,the results were analyzed.Results A total of 6 patients,including 4 males and 2 females with a median age of 50 years old (40.75-54.75 years old),received endovascular repair therapy.The median interval from the onset of disease to accept endovascular treatment was 10 days (one week-3 months).After the implantation of stent,the blood flow in the true lumen returned to normal immediately,although part of the false lumen was still filled with contrast agent.Embolism of retinal artery occurred in one patient during the operation,no death occurred.The median follow-up time was 54.4 months (49.7-57.9 months).The NIHSS score determined at the last follow-up visit was not significantly different from the preoperative one (P=0.102).Imaging reexamination revealed that the false lumen at the ICA stent segment disappeared in all 6 patients,and no obvious in-stent stenotic changes were observed.Conclusion Endovascular therapy of selected symptomatic extracranial carotid artery dissection with bare stents can effectively prevent the recurrence of clinical symptoms and promote ICA remodeling with excellent mid-term patency.

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic self-expandable metal stent implantation for malignant colonic obstruction / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic implantation of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMs) for malignant colorectal obstruction. Methods A total of 108 patients who had undergone endoscopic SEMs implantation for malignant colonic obstruction from January 2011 to May 2014 were enrolled. The clinical suc-cess rates and the complications were reviewed. Results The clinical success rates were 92.59%(100/108). Abdomi-nal pain, perforation and bleeding were the most common post-procedure complications, the rates of which were 16.67% (18/108), 7.41% (8/108), 6.48% (7/108), respectively. The abdominal pain in most patients was self-reliev-ing except for 6 patients with perforation of colon. Patients with perforation were cured by emergency surgery. The 7 patients developing bleeding recovered themselves. Conclusion The success rate of endoscopic SEMs implantation is satisfactory in the study. As a bridge to surgery or a palliative care method, endoscopic SEMs implantation is effec-tive and safe for malignant colorectal obstruction.

Percutaneous transgastric stenting of proximal jejunal obstruction secondary to direct invasion of a pancreatic carcinoma

Pancreatic cancer has been identified as one of the most common malignant causes of upper gastrointestinal obstruction. Most common sites of obstruction include the pyloric region and second and third portions of the duodenum. If surgical gastrojejunostomy is not a viable option, metallic stent placement may be performed either by transoral or transgastric approach. Transgastric technique is considered to be more invasive and is often employed only in failed attempts to insert a stent using transoral technique. This report presents a 70-year-old patient with pancreatic cancer involving the proximal jejunum. Although this is a rarely described location for stenting, the patient was successfully treated using transgastric technique.

Spontaneous Common Bile Duct Perforation Treated with Placement of Metal Stent / 대한췌담도학회지

Perforation of the biliary tree mostly results from injury to the bile duct during surgery or procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and spontaneous bile duct perforation is rare in adults. As the clinical picture varies, early diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous biliary peritonitis is difficult. A 52-year-old male patient presented with abdominal pain and intractable ascites. He already experienced severe abdominal pain 2 months ago and underwent percutaneous pigtail drainage for the ascites at nearby hospital. ERCP showed large filling defect with leakage of contrast media from the mid common bile duct (CBD) into the peritoneal cavity. We performed endoscopic sphincterotomy and extracted CBD stones with basket and balloon catheter. Then fully covered self expandable metal stent was placed in CBD. After the procedure, the symptom was improved and the amount of pigtail drainage from abdominal cavity was dramatically decreased. 6 weeks later, removing the metal stent, there was no more leakage of contrast media into peritoneal cavity. We report a very rare case of spontaneous bile leakage which was successfully managed with placement of metal stent.

Spontaneous Common Bile Duct Perforation Treated with Placement of Metal Stent / 대한췌담도학회지

Perforation of the biliary tree mostly results from injury to the bile duct during surgery or procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and spontaneous bile duct perforation is rare in adults. As the clinical picture varies, early diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous biliary peritonitis is difficult. A 52-year-old male patient presented with abdominal pain and intractable ascites. He already experienced severe abdominal pain 2 months ago and underwent percutaneous pigtail drainage for the ascites at nearby hospital. ERCP showed large filling defect with leakage of contrast media from the mid common bile duct (CBD) into the peritoneal cavity. We performed endoscopic sphincterotomy and extracted CBD stones with basket and balloon catheter. Then fully covered self expandable metal stent was placed in CBD. After the procedure, the symptom was improved and the amount of pigtail drainage from abdominal cavity was dramatically decreased. 6 weeks later, removing the metal stent, there was no more leakage of contrast media into peritoneal cavity. We report a very rare case of spontaneous bile leakage which was successfully managed with placement of metal stent.

Short-term safety and efficacy of endoscopic self-expandable metal stent implantation for malignant colonic obstruction / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the short-term safety and efficacy of endoscopic implantation of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMs) for malignant colorectal obstruction.Methods A total of 208 patients who had undergone endoscopic SEMs implantation for malignant colonic obstruction from January 2012 to May 2014 at the endoscopy center of Shengjing hospital were enrolled.The technical and clinical success rate and the complications were reviewed.Results The technical and clinical success rates were 99.04％ (206/208) and 96.15％ (200/208), respectively.Abdominal pain, perforation and bleeding were the most common post-procedure complications, the rates of which were 13.46％ (28/208), 2.88％ (6/208), 1.92％ (4/208), respectively.The abdominal pain in most patients was self-relieving except for 6 patients with perforation of colon.Patients with perforation were cured by emergency surgery.One patient with intraperitoneal hemorrhage was also cured by emergency surgery, the other patients developing bleeding recovered themselves.Conclusion The success rate of endoscopic SEMs implantation is satisfactory in the study.As a bridge to surgery or a palliative care method, endoscopic SEMs implantation is effective and safe for malignant colorectal obstruction.

The effectiveness of resonance metallic stents for alleviating malignant ureteral obstruction:outcomes and initial experiences / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To present the primary effectiveness and morbidity of metallic ureteral stent in treating the patients with malignant ureteral obstruction .Methods The retrospective study enrolled 11 patients received metallic ureteral stent placement because of malignant ureteral obstruction at our hospital between Jul.2012 and Jan.2014.Total of 16 stents were inserted including 5 bilateral stent insertion. There were 4 males and 7 females, with a mean age of 56 years (range 28 to 88 years).Mild to moderate hydronephrosis were identified by ultrasound and CTU in all patients , including 2 recurrent fever and 1 renal colic in affected side , however serum creatinine level is normal .There were 10 patients received stents insertion through cystoscopic or nephroscopic retrograde approach and 1 through nephroscopic antegrade approach,under superficial , spinal or intravenous anesthesia .Patients were scheduled for follow-up at 6 months intervals by KUB and ultrasound and would be examined ahead of time if there were any obstructive symptoms including recurrent fever or renal colic of the affected side .Outcomes and complications were observed during follow-up.Results In total,11 patients underwent 13 operations,including 2 by staging operations.Hydronephrosis , recurrent fever and renal colic were relieved in all patients after operation , showing 100%success rate.The mean follow-up was 9 months,in which,9 patients had not reached the scheduled time (1 year) while 2 patients exceed the time limit of stent exchange because of poor physical status.During the follow-up, 1 patient died of the progression of urothelial carcinoma .Nine stents of 5 patients keep alleviating the obstruction without hydronephrosis evaluated by ultrasonography .Stents failure occurred in 6 ureters of 5 patients, including 3 encrustation and 2 migration, presenting of progressive hydronephrosis and recurrent fever . Functional restoration was achieved in one of the encrusted stent undergoing ESWL .One stent with encrustation fail to be removed and a polymer double-J stent replacement in the same side was required for drainage .The other 3 nonfunctional stents were removed and replaced by polymer double-J stents.Conclusions Ureteral obstruction secondary to extrinsic compression contributing to relatively stable malignant tumor could be treated safely and sufficiently with the resonance metallic stent . Surveillance on schedule and regularly change within 1 year is critical to achieve successful outcomes .Tumor progression with ureteral invasion as while as encrustation can cause stent failure ,and in these cases the stent should be changed every 6 months or less.

The Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Stenting as a Bridge to Elective Surgery in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Obstruction as Compared with Emergency Surgery

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term outcomes between stent placement as a bridge to surgery and emergency surgery for obstructive colon cancer. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for left colon cancer and rectal cancer with total obstruction from September 2006 to October 2014 were enrolled. Data for the stent placement and emergency surgery groups were compared. RESULTS: Of the 67 patients with total obstruction, 53 patients were treated with stent placement and 14 patients were treated with emergency surgery. Significant differences were observed for surgical approach, type of operation, and combined resection. Use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) was higher (88.6 vs. 42.9%, p<0.001) in the stent placement (SP) group, and combined resection (5.9 vs. 37.5%, p<0.001) was higher in the emergency surgery (EM) group. In the SP group, resection and anastomosis accounted for the largest proportion (92.5%) and in the EM group, Hartmann's procedure was most common (57.1%) (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in other operative outcomes or in postoperative courses. Five-year overall survival was 96.0 and 77.8% (p=0.311) in the SP and EM groups, respectively. Five-year disease-free survival for local recurrence in the SP and EM groups was 90.0 and 88.9% (p=0.904). CONCLUSION: Stent placement as a bridge to surgery can be performed safely and represents an alternative to emergency surgery with good short-term results. Stent placement as a bridge to surgery is also comparable to emergency surgery in long-term outcomes.

Safety and Feasibility of Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Insertion for the Right-Side Colonic Malignant Obstruction and Its Clinical Benefits

PURPOSE: The efficacy of stenting for the right-side colonic malignant obstruction is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of self-expandable metallic stent insertion for the right-side colonic malignant obstruction and its clinical benefits. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 460 patients who underwent right hemicolectomy for right-side colon cancer from January 2006 to January 2014 at Korea University Anam Hospital. Twenty four patients who developed malignant obstruction in the right -side colon were identified and analyzed. RESULTS: Self-expandable metallic stent insertion was attempted in 14 patients, and initial technical success was achieved in 13 patients (92.9%). No immediate stent-related complications were reported. Complete relief of obstruction was achieved in all of the 13 patients. Eleven patients who failed stenting underwent emergency operation. All of the 13 patients with stent underwent laparoscopic surgery and only one case was converted to open. Only three patients in the emergency group underwent laparoscopic surgery but one was converted. Operative time and number of retrieved lymph nodes did not differ between the two groups. Postoperative hospital stay (9.8+/-3.2 in stent group vs. 16.3+/-10.9 days in emergency group, p=0.082) tended to be shorter in the stent group. Estimated blood loss (38.5+/-138.7 in stent group vs. 381.8+/-411.9 in emergency group, p=0.010) and duration for resuming diet (3.2+/-2.2 in stent group vs. 6.6+/-7.0 days in emergency group, p=0.017) were significantly better in the stent group. CONCLUSION: Self-expandable metallic stent appears to be safe and feasible in the right-side colonic malignant obstruction. It facilitates minimally invasive surgery and may result in better short-term surgical outcome.

Experiencia del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología en el manejo de obstrucción del tracto de salida gástrico y del colon con prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles (PMAE) / Experience of the National Institute of Cancer Research in managing obtruccions of the gastric tract outlet and colon with self expanding metal stents (SEMS)

Objetivo: conocer la experiencia en el uso de prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles para el manejo de las obstrucciones malignas del tracto de salida gástrico o del colon, así como describir las características demográficas, clínicas y patológicas de los pacientes del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC) durante el periodo comprendido entre enero 1 de 2010 y septiembre 30 de 212. Método: estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo de serie de casos, que incluyo pacientes con obstrucción del tracto de salida gástrico o colorrectal, donde se analizan las características clínicas y los factores involucrados en el éxito técnico y clínico de la inserción de PMAE, así como la influencia de dichas prótesis en la morbimortalidad. Resultados: se incluyeron 96 pacientes, 73 con PMAE duodenal y 23 con PMAE colorrectal, con edad promedio de 63,7 años. El éxito técnico para la inserción de PMAE duodenal fue del 97,2% y el éxito clínico fue de 93,1%. Para las PMAE colorrectales, el éxito técnico y clínico fueron de 91,3%. Se presentaron 8 complicaciones y 3 pacientes requirieron cirugía para solucionar una complicación. El promedio de vida después del procedimiento fue de 102 días para las PMAE duodenales y 159 días para los colorrectales. No se presento mortalidad secundaria al procedimiento. Conclusiones: la inserción de una PMAE es un procedimiento de mínima invasión que ha demostrado ser un tratamiento paliativo efectivo y una alternativa para reducir la formación de ostomías reduciendo costos y complicaciones.

Effects of the Temporary Placement of a Self-Expandable Metallic Stent in Benign Pyloric Stenosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The use of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) is an established palliative treatment for malignant stenosis in the gastrointestinal tract; therefore, its application to benign stenosis is expected to be beneficial because of the more gradual and sustained dilatation in the stenotic portion. We aimed in this prospective observational study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of temporary SEMS placement in benign pyloric stenosis. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with benign stenosis of the prepylorus, pylorus, and duodenal bulb were enrolled and underwent SEMS placement. We assessed symptom improvement, defined as an increase of at least 1 degree in the gastric-outlet-obstruction scoring system after stent insertion. RESULTS: No major complications were observed during the procedures. After stent placement, early symptom improvement was achieved in 18 of 22 patients (81.8%). During the follow-up period (mean 10.2 months), the stents remained in place successfully for 6 to 8 weeks in seven patients (31.8%). Among the 15 patients (62.5%) with stent migration, seven (46.6%) showed continued symptomatic improvement without recurrence of obstructive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the symptomatic improvement, temporary SEMS placement is premature as an effective therapeutic tool for benign pyloric stenosis unless a novel stent is developed to prevent migration.

A retrospective study comparing endoscopic self-expandable metallic stents with surgery in the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To compare the efficacy and survival of patients with malignant obstructive jaundice using either endoscopic self-expandable metallic stents or surgery,and to evaluate the compounding factors influencing prognosis.Methods 56 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice treated with endoscopic self-expandable metallic stents (the endoscopic group) were compared with 90 patients who received surgery (the surgery group) during the same study period.Clinical data and survival of the 2 groups of patients were retrospectively analyzed.Results The success rate was 100％ in the endoscopic group.The serum bilirubin,alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) decreased significantly by using either therapeutic endoscopy or surgery (P＜0.01).There was no significant difference between the two groups in the reduction of serum total bilirubin.The mean survival of the endoscopic and surgery groups were 340 d and 795 d respectively.The accumulative survivals of the endoscopic group at 3,6 and 12 months as evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method were 82.6 ％,61.1％ and 46.6 ％,respectively,and for the surgery group were 97.0％,90.9 ％ and 65.4％ respectively. There was a significant difference in survival between the two groups (P＜0.01).Survival after therapeutic endoscopy was similar to surgery for patients with metastasis and hilar biliary obstruction.Conclusions Self-expandable metallic stents gave similar palliation in the relief of jaundice in patients with malignant biliary obstruction.The stents had no effect on the primary tumor.Therapeutic endoscopy with self-expandable metallic stents is a safe and effective method for the relief of jaundice in patients with obstructive jaundice caused by non-resectable malignant tumors.