Abstract
Objectives : Although an invasive treatment, gastrojejunostomy is a commonly used palliative treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO) . Recently, an endoscopically placed duodenal stent has been introduced as an alternative treatment. We report our experience with the stent.
Methods : Between April and December 2010, twelve inoperable patients with mGOO received an endoscopically placed duodenal stent. The mGOOs were caused by the following carcinomas : pancreatic head cancer (7/12) or pancreatic body and/or tail cancer (5/12) . Oral intake was measured by the Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System (GOOSS) before and after stenting.
Results : Technical success was achieved in 100% (12/12) of cases. The average of stent deployment time was 27min (range, 15-43min) . Eleven patients (91.7%) benefited from a GOOSS increase of 1 or more within 1 day. Median time with a GOOSS of 2 or more was 57 days. Median survival was 83 days after stent placement. A major complication occurred in one case in which cholangeitis was seen.
Conclusion : An endoscopic duodenal stenting improved oral intake rapidly in a majority of patients with mGOO, and resulted in quality of life improvement.
