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World J Gastroenterol. Feb 14, 2007; 13(6): 916-920
Published online Feb 14, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i6.916
Self-expandable metallic stents for palliation of patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction caused by stomach cancer
Tae Oh Kim, Dae Hwan Kang, Gwang Ha Kim, Jeong Heo, Geun Am Song, Mong Cho, Dong Heon Kim, Mun Sup Sim
Tae Oh Kim, Dae Hwan Kang, Gwang Ha Kim, Jeong Heo, Geun Am Song, Mong Cho, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
Dong Heon Kim, Mun Sup Sim, Department of General Surgery, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dae Hwan Kang, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, 1-10 Ami-dong, Soe-gu, Busan 602-739, Korea. sulsulpul@yahoo.co.kr
Telephone: +82-51-2407869 Fax: +82-51-2448180
Received: September 25, 2006
Revised: December 5, 2006
Accepted: January 5, 2007
Published online: February 14, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To ascertain clinical outcome and complications of self-expandable metal stents for endoscopic palliation of patients with malignant obstruction of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

METHODS: A retrospective review was performed throughout August 2000 to June 2005 of 53 patients with gastric outlet obstruction caused by stomach cancer. All patients had symptomatic obstruction including nausea, vomiting, and decreased oral intake. All received self-expandable metallic stents.

RESULTS: Stent implantation was successful in all 53 (100%) patients. Relief of obstructive symptoms was achieved in 43 (81.1%) patients. No immediate stent-related complications were noted. Seventeen patients had recurrent obstruction (tumor ingrowth in 14 patients, tumor overgrowth in 1 patient, and partial distal stent migration in 2 patients). The mean survival was 145 d. Median stent patency time was 187 d.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic placement of self-expandable metallic stents is a safe and effective treatment for the palliation of patients with inoperable malignant gastric outlet obstruction caused by stomach cancer.

Keywords: Self-expandable metallic stents; Malignant gastric outlet obstruction; Stomach cancer