A case of malignant duodenal obstruction of pancreatic cancer treated by multiple duodenal self-expandable metallic stents

Abstract

An 80-year-old woman with advanced pancreatic cancer underwent chemotherapy and metallic stent placement 304 days after her first visit. The patient admitted 441 days after first visit and an endoscopy and duodenography revealed duodenal stenosis due to infiltration. Surgical procedures were rejected, therefore an endoscopic duodenal stent was placed on the 457th day after her first visit. Because of early stent obstruction, a second stent was inserted. The patient was able to take soft solids soon; however, cholangitis developed and a PTBD had to be placed on day 485 and was discharged. The patient was readmitted on day 519 and third stent was placed. There were no complications and liquids were ingested until her death, 553 days after the first visit. Placement of multiple duodenal self-expandable metallic stents was a useful technique, and contributed the patients' quality of life.