Original articleClinical endoscopyEfficacy and safety of a partially covered duodenal stent for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction: a pilot study

BackgroundDuodenal stent placement has emerged as an effective and safe palliative treatment for patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. An uncovered enteral stent, however, is susceptible to repeat stenosis because of tumor ingrowth. Although covering an enteral stent with a membrane prevents tumor ingrowth, stent migration continues to be a major unresolved problem. Partially covered metal stents may avoid both tumor ingrowth and stent migration.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical and technical efficacy and the safety of a partially covered duodenal stent for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction.DesignRetrospective, observational study.SettingTertiary-care medical center.PatientsTwenty patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstruction received palliative treatment with partially covered duodenal stents.InterventionsEndoscopic stent placement.Main Outcome MeasurementsTechnical success, clinical success, patency, and adverse events.ResultsStent placement was successful in all 20 patients (technical success rate, 100%), and symptoms improved in 19 (clinical success rate, 95%). The Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System score improved significantly (P < .001). Eight patients (40%) developed tumor overgrowth, whereas none showed stent migration. Median stent patency was 79.5 days (range 13-198 days). Adverse events occurred in 3 patients, including 2 with transient bacteremia and 1 with asphyxia because of impaction of food material into the stent.LimitationsSingle center, retrospective design, and a small number of patients.ConclusionPartially covered duodenal stents were effective and safe for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction and may prevent tumor ingrowth and stent migration.