The vanishing stent: Repeated fracture and dissolution of nitinol gastric stents in a long term cancer survivor

Nitinol self expandable metal stents are increasingly utilised for malignant obstruction in the proximal gastrointestinal tract. We describe a case in which repeated fracture of proximal duodenal stents with dissolution of the nitinol wire skeleton and covering membranes occurred in a long term cancer survivor. This necessitated placement of 4 stents for symptom control and to allow oral feeding until the patient's death 20 months after the initial stent was inserted. Fracture of gastric and duodenal stents has rarely been described previously, some incidences of which were considered due to mechanical causes. Dissolution of stent metal skeletons has not previously been recognised in gastroduodenal stents but has been described in an oesophageal stent subject to reflux of gastric content and a biochemical mechanism has been proposed. With modern oncological treatment the prospect of patients outliving their stents is increasing and the need for repeat procedures should form part of the consent process.

Biodegradable stent insertion for ischaemic colorectal strictures: Tiger country

We describe our initial experience with the use of biodegradable (BD) stents in benign ischemic colorectal strictures with two cases. The first case is of a 40-year-old male with a history of retroperitoneal sarcoma who developed a benign stricture in the descending colon postsurgical and radiotherapy treatment. Balloon dilation was required in order to pass the delivery system. The patient experienced significant pain postdeployment and post procedure computed tomography scan demonstrated a small perforation requiring an emergency laparotomy. The second case is a 61-year-old male with a history of retroperitoneal sarcoma who also developed an ischemic stricture in the descending colon after surgical excision. Using a combined fluoroscopic and endoscopic approach 3 separate BD stents were inserted over a 17-month period improving clinical symptoms of intermittent obstruction. These symptoms reoccurred after stent disintegration and the patient was definitively managed surgically with colostomy formation. The use of BD stents, although appealing, does not provide an adequate long term result. Additionally, more flexible, smaller calibre systems are required for deployment in tortuous environments.

Enteral stent construction: Current principles

The insertion of self-expanding stents into malignant strictures of the small and large bowel has become a routine procedure around the world. However, stent development has happened very much on a "trial & error" approach, based mostly on bright ideas of enthusiastic individuals or marketing decisions by the manufacturer. A large variety of stents are commercially available, covered to a variable degree by a membrane to reduce tissue ingrowth. However, in vitro characteristics and in vivo behavior vary significantly between stents and few operators are aware of the differences. While the ideal stent still remains to be defined, it is important that interventionists understand the variations, in order to make the best possible choice for the individual patient. This article illustrates current principles of stent construction.

Percutaneous colonic stent insertion via a radiologically placed distal 'cecostomy' tube for the management of acute malignant bowel obstruction

Percutaneous cecostomy is an uncommon procedure but is reported as an effective temporising measure to achieve acute decompression of bowel obstruction. It has been reported as a safe procedure in the setting of bowel obstruction providing relief of symptoms. The insertion of a cecostomy in the distal colon is not routinely advised as it will not allow passage of formed faeces. Cases of antegrade stenting of proximal colonic obstruction via cecostomy have been described; however, antegrade stenting of the distal colon from access in the ascending colon can be technically challenging. We describe a case of a percutaneous colostomy inserted temporally at the splenic flexure, which provided close access to an obstructing descending colonic tumour, allowing definitive management with placement of a colonic stent. This technical feasibility case provides evidence that a temporary cecostomy placed in the distal colon can be performed as a measure to facilitate definitive management.

Obstructive Jaundice after Bilioenteric Anastomosis: Transhepatic and Direct Percutaneous Enteral Stent Insertion for Afferent Loop Occlusion

Recurrent tumour after radical pancreaticoduodenectomy may cause obstruction of the small bowel loop draining the liver. Roux-loop obstruction presents a particular therapeutic challenge, since the postsurgical anatomy usually prevents endoscopic access. Careful multidisciplinary discussion and multimodality preprocedure imaging are essential to accurately demonstrate the cause and anatomical location of the obstruction. Transhepatic or direct percutaneous stent placement should be possible in most cases, thereby avoiding long-term external biliary drainage. Gastropexy T-fasteners will secure the percutaneous access and reduce the risk of bile leakage. The static bile is invariably contaminated by gut bacteria, and systemic sepsis is to be expected. Enteral stents are preferable to biliary stents, and compound covered stents in a sandwich construction are likely to give the best long-term results. Transhepatic and direct percutaneous enteral stent insertion after jejunopexy is illustrated and the literature reviewed.