Uncovered Self-expandable Metal Stents (SEMS) for Gastric Outlet Obstruction Caused by Stomach Cancer

Park, Hyoung Yoel; Kang, Dae Hwan; Eum, Jae Sup; Ha, Tae In; Park, Chan Ho; Kim, Kyung Yeob; Choi, Cheol Woong; Kim, Do Hoon; Kim, Ji Young; Lee, Hye Jeong; Kim, Gwang Ha; Song, Geun Am

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
The use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) is a safe and efficacious method for palliating malignant gastric outlet obstruction. However, few reports have assessed clinical outcome after the insertion of SEMS for malignant gastric outlet obstruction caused by stomach cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of uncovered SEMS in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction caused by stomach cancer.
METHODS
We evaluated 62 patients with gastric outlet obstruction caused by stomach cancer treated by the implantation of uncovered SEMS. A total of 62 patients (43 males, 19 females) were treated between August 2000 and March 2007. A scoring system was used to grade the ability to eat.
RESULTS
Stent implantation was successful in 61 (98.4%) patients. Relief of obstructive symptoms was achieved in 49 (80.3%) patients. The mean survival duration was 143 days. The mean stent patency time was 103.5 days. An improvement in the ability to eat using the scoring system was statistically significant (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic placement of uncovered SEMS is a safe and effective treatment for the palliation of patients with inoperable malignant gastric outlet obstruction caused by stomach cancer.