Surgical
gastrojejunostomy is the standard treatment for malignant
gastric outlet obstruction, although it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a newly designed expandable
metal stent (Wallstent Enteral) to treat malignant
gastric outlet obstruction. Six patients (five women, one man; mean age 76 years) underwent stenting.
Stents 20-22 mm in diameter and 60-90 mm in length were deployed through a
duodenoscope channel under endoscopic and fluoroscopic control, without previous
stricture dilation. In all six cases the
stent was adequately positioned and food intake was possible in the next 24 h. The mean time for hospital discharge was 2.5 days (1-5 days), without complications related to the procedure. Five patients died in the follow-up from progression of their
cancer and one remains alive; none had recurrent obstruction. The median survival time was 9 weeks (95% CI: 3-15 weeks). In conclusion, endoscopic self-expandable
stent (Wallstent Enteral) placement is safe and effective palliation for malignant
gastric outlet obstruction and appears to be a therapeutic alternative to surgical
gastrojejunostomy.