Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastrojejunostomy for benign gastric outlet obstruction (GOO): a retrospective analysis of patients and outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastrojejunostomy (EUS-GJ) has been well utilized in treating malignant gastric outlet obstructions (GOO) given its efficacy and lower risk profile compared to surgery. However, its efficacy and potential for use in patients with benign GOO who are poor surgical candidates is not well documented. The aim of this study was to examine the role of EUS-GJ in treatment of benign GOO in select patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a single-center, open-label, retrospective descriptive study that included all consecutive patients undergoing EUS-GJ to treat benign causes of GOO. Direct antegrade and direct retrograde methods were utilized. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients were included, 38.9% female with an average age of 63.3 years. Extrinsic GOO was present in (10 of 18) 55.5% of patients and intrinsic etiology was present in (8 of 18) 45.5% of patients. Technical success was achieved in 100% (18 of 18) patients and clinical success was achieved in 94% (17 of 18) patients. In total, 13 patients had follow-up endoscopy, 2 patients were treated relatively recently in time, 1 patient was lost to follow-up, and 2 patients died of other chronic illnesses. Stents remained in place for a median of 286 days (range 88-1444 days). In patients whose stents were removed, 75% (3 of 4) had extrinsic etiologies of GOO. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports a favorable long-term patency with excellent technical and clinical success of EUS-GJ in patients with benign GOO. Despite the limitations of sample size and retrospective nature, it adds to the extremely limited literature of EUS-GJ in management of patients with benign GOO.

Surgical versus endoscopic gastroenterostomy for gastric outlet obstruction: a retrospective multicentric comparative study of technical and clinical success.

PURPOSE: Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is mainly due to advanced malignant disease. GOO can be treated by surgical gastroenterostomy (SGE), endoscopic enteral stenting (EES), or endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) to improve the quality of life. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2022, patients undergoing SGE or EUS-GE for GOO were included at three centers. Technical and clinical success rates, post-procedure adverse events (AEs), length of hospital stay (LOS), 30-day all-cause mortality, and recurrence of GOO were retrospectively analyzed and compared between SGE and EUS-GE. Predictive factors for technical and clinical failure after SGE and EUS-GE were identified. RESULTS: Of the 97 patients included, 56 (57.7%) had an EUS-GE and 41 (42.3%) had an SGE for GOO, with 62 (63.9%) GOO due to malignancy and 35 (36.1%) to benign disease. The median follow-up time was 13,4 months (range 1 days-106 months), with no difference between the two groups (p = 0.962). Technical (p = 0.133) and clinical (p = 0.229) success rates, severe morbidity (p = 0.708), 30-day all-cause mortality (p = 0.277) and GOO recurrence (p = 1) were similar. EUS-GE had shorter median procedure duration (p < 0.001), lower post-procedure ileus rate (p < 0.001), and shorter median LOS (p < 0.001) than SGE. In univariate analysis, no risk factors for technical or clinical failure in SGE were identified and abdominal pain reported before the procedure was a risk factor for technical failure in the EUS-GE group. No risk factor for clinical failure was identified for EUS-GE. In the subgroup of GOO due to benign disease, SGE was associated with better technical success (p = 0.035) with no difference in clinical success rate compared to EUS-GE (p = 1). CONCLUSION: EUS-GE provides similar long-lasting symptom relief as SGE for GOO whether for benign or malignant disease. SGE may still be indicated in centers with limited experience with EUS-GE or may be reserved for patients in whom endoscopic technique fails.

Unusual case of Niemeier type II gallbladder perforation: case report and literature review.

Niemeier type II gallbladder perforation (GBP) is caused by inflammation and necrosis of the gallbladder wall followed by bile spilling into the abdominal cavity after perforation. The gallbladder then becomes adhered to the surrounding inflammatory tissue to form a purulent envelope, which communicates with the gallbladder. At present, the clinical characteristics and treatment of type II GBP are not well understood and management of GBP remains controversial. Type II GBP with gastric outlet obstruction is rare and prone to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Recent systematic reviews report that percutaneous drainage does not influence outcomes. In this current case, due to the high risk of bleeding and accidental injury, as well as a lack of access to safely visualize the Calot's triangle, the patient could not undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which would have been the ideal option. This current case report presents the use of percutaneous laparoscopic drainage combined with percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in a patient with type II GBP associated with gastric outlet obstruction. A review of the relevant literature has been provided in addition to a summary of the clinical manifestations and treatments for type II GBP.

Management of complicated Bouveret's syndrome.

Bouveret's syndrome is an uncommon cause of gastric outlet obstruction caused by the impaction of large gallstones in the duodenal lumen. The gallstones pass into the duodenal lumen through a cholecystogastric or a cholecystoduodenal fistula. Endoscopic retrieval with or without lithotripsy is the first line of management, often with variable success. We present a case of a woman in her 70s who presented with signs of gastric outlet obstruction and was diagnosed with Bouveret's syndrome with a 5 cm diameter gallstone in the third part of her duodenum. Following several unsuccessful attempts of endoscopic extraction, she underwent successful jejunal enterotomy with fragmentation and extraction of the calculus using an Allis tissue holding forceps. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Bouveret Syndrome: A Curious Simultaneous Presentation of Two Cases: Comparison of Clinical Observations and Surgical Management.

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon occurrence and accounts for about 0.3-0.5% of complications of cholelithiasis in elderly patients. Bouveret syndrome is an uncommon medical condition resulting from the blockage of the duodenal bulb by a stone, which consequently obstructs the outlet of the stomach. Until now, a comparison of two different presentations of Bouveret syndrome has not been published in the literature due to the rarity of this pathology. The curious simultaneous occurrence of the two cases discussed here made it possible for us to compare the different diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. In fact, both cases differ not only in their presenting symptoms, but also in the management adopted by the same surgical team.

Alarming Incidence of Gastric Outlet Obstruction Related to NSAIDS and Synthetic Opioid in North West India.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in cases of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) at our center due to drug abuse. So, we conducted this study to know the incidence of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and synthetic opioid abuse in cases of GOO. METHODS: This was an observational study involving consecutive cases of GOO diagnosed from September 2017 to February 2019. A detailed history, including drug addiction history and clinical examination, was done. Investigations included routine biochemical and hematological tests, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE), ultrasonography, rapid urease test (RUT), and histopathology of the diseased area. RESULTS: Among the 102 cases diagnosed with GOO, 62 (60.78%) cases had a history of drug addiction. The drug addiction history was as follows: NSAIDs and opioids in 56, opioids alone in four, and NSAIDs alone in two cases. The most common site of stricture was the second part of the duodenum. The features on histopathology were ulcerations of the mucosa infiltrated by eosinophils, plasma cells, and lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: There is an alarming increase in the incidence of GOO due to NSAIDs and opioid abuse at our center. Efforts should be made to control the indiscriminate use of these over-the-counter drugs to prevent dreaded complications.

Management of malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction (mGOO) due to pancreatic cancer in the era of EUS-Gastrojejunostomy: an international practice survey and case vignette study by Pancreas 2000 from the European Pancreatic Club.

BACKGROUND: Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction (mGOO) has been standardly treated by surgical Gastrojejunostomy (S-GJ) or Endoscopic Stenting (ES). Recently, EUS-Gastrojejunostomy (EUS-GJ) has emerged as an alternative, despite its worldwide diffusion is heterogeneous. The aim of this survey was to assess clinical decision-making around mGOO and to explore current opinions regarding EUS-GJ. METHODS: An online survey, spread through social networks and EPC newsletter, was created exploring opinions regarding indications, contraindications, benefits/risks, availability of mGOO treatments; 2 case vignettes explored clinical decision-making in different scenarios. RESULTS: Overall, 290 pancreatologists from 44 countries responded, of whom 35% surgeons and 65% gastroenterologists. The most common treatment for mGOO was ES (86%), followed by laparoscopic GJ (76%). EUS-GJ was accessible to 59% of respondents, with 10% proficient in this technique. Gold-standard treatment for mGOO varied by specialty; 45% of gastroenterologists preferred ES, 20% EUS-GJ, and 10% surgical GJ, while among surgeons, these were 24%, 8%, and 25%, respectively. A higher annual volume of mGOO treated correlated with increased EUS-GJ adoption and reduced surgical advice. For 51%, EUS-GJ will become the primary treatment for mGOO, notably higher among gastroenterologists and high-volume centers. For 14%, EUS-GJ spread will be limited in the future, or used only when ES fails (19%). Life expectancy, disease stage and patient's frailty are the main decision driver in therapeutic choice, whereas future surgical resectability does not contraindicate any treatment for 75%. EUS-GJ's main advantages were its minimally invasive nature and clinical efficacy, offset by its steep learning curve. CONCLUSIONS: This survey revealed significant differences in the management of mGOO, depending on specialties, local expertise and treatment volume, suggesting the lack of standardized algorithms. Life expectancy and patients' frailty are the main decision drivers. Regarding EUS-GJ, its availability remains suboptimal, with learning curve as the main perceived barrier.

Management of Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Comprehensive Review on the Old, the Classic and the Innovative Approaches.

Gastrojejunostomy is the principal method of palliation for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstructions (GOO). Gastrojejunostomy was traditionally performed as a surgical procedure with an open approach butrecently, notable progress in the development of minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic gastrojejunostomies have emerged. Additionally, advancements in endoscopic techniques, including endoscopic stenting (ES) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE), are becoming more prominent. ES involves the placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) to restore luminal patency. ES is commonly the first choice for patients deemed unfit for surgery or at high surgical risk. However, although ES leads to rapid improvement of symptoms, it carries limitations like higher stent dysfunction rates and the need for frequent re-interventions. Recently, EUS-GE has emerged as a potential alternative, combining the minimally invasive nature of the endoscopic approach with the long-lasting effects of a gastrojejunostomy. Having reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of these different techniques, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review regarding the management of unresectable malignant GOO.

Propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy and enteral stenting for malignant gastric outlet.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) significantly reduce patients' quality of life. Endoscopic treatment involves enteral stenting or endoscopic ultrasonography to perform gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE). Aim was to compare enteral stenting with EUS-GE for endoscopic treatment of malignant GOO. METHODS: We retrospectively compared enteral stenting with EUS-GE for the treatment of malignant GOO. Patients treated at our institution were identified and a propensity score matching analysis was performed. Treatment failure was the primary outcome, while the secondary endpoints were time until treatment failure, technical and clinical success rates, and adverse event rates. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were included in the final analysis. Of whom, 44 were included in each of the two treatment groups. Treatment failure occurred significantly more frequently in the enteral stenting group (13/44) compared with the EUS-GE group (4/44; hazard ratio: 4,9; 95% CI 1.6-15.1). A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a median time until treatment failure of 22.0 weeks (95% CI 4.6-39.4) in the enteral stenting group compared with 76.0 weeks (95% CI 55.9-96.1) in the EUS-GE group (P = .002). No difference in technical success and clinical success was detected. Technical success was achieved in 43/44 patients (97.7%) in the enteral stenting group compared with 41/44 patients (93.2%) in the EUS-GE group, while clinical success was achieved in 32/44 (72.7%) and 35/44 (79.5%) patients, respectively. Nine adverse events were observed (9/44, 10.2%). There were no differences in 30-day adverse event rate and 30-day mortality rate. CONCLUSION: EUS-GE was superior to enteral stenting in the treatment of malignant GOO in terms of treatment failure and time until treatment failure in a propensity score-matched cohort.

Revealing Insights: A Comprehensive Overview of Gastric Outlet Obstruction Management, with Special Emphasis on EUS-Guided Gastroenterostomy.

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) poses a common and challenging clinical scenario, characterized by mechanical blockage in the pylorus, distal stomach, or duodenum, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and early satiety. Its diverse etiology encompasses both benign and malignant disorders. The spectrum of current treatment modalities extends from conservative approaches to more invasive interventions, incorporating procedures like surgical gastroenterostomy (SGE), self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) placement, and the advanced technique of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE). While surgery is favored for longer life expectancy, stents are preferred in malignant gastric outlet stenosis. The novel EUS-GE technique, employing a lumen-apposing self-expandable metal stent (LAMS), combines the immediate efficacy of stents with the enduring benefits of gastroenterostomy. Despite its promising outcomes, EUS-GE is a technically demanding procedure requiring specialized expertise and facilities.

Emergent Management of Gastric Outlet Obstruction Post-Intragastric Balloon: A Case Report Highlighting the Importance of Preoperative Assessments and Postoperative Monitoring in Obesity Management.

BACKGROUND Obesity is a global epidemic often managed through surgical interventions, such as intragastric balloons. Despite the minimally invasive appeal of intragastric balloons, severe complications, such as gastric outlet obstruction, can occur with their use. The most recent guidelines recommend metabolic and bariatric surgery for specific body mass index categories but rarely discuss the potential complications and required postoperative monitoring. Guidelines encourage metabolic and bariatric surgery for patients with a body mass index of 30-34.9 kg/m² and presence of metabolic disease, or body mass index ≥35 kg/m², regardless of co-morbidities. CASE REPORT We report a case of a 35-year-old woman with severe nausea, vomiting, electrolyte imbalance, and chest pain, leading to ICU admission just 2 weeks after intragastric balloon placement in Mexico. Testing and diagnostics were concerning for metabolic imbalance and heart rhythm changes. Imaging and endoscopic investigations confirmed gastric outlet obstruction, necessitating emergent endoscopic balloon deflation and removal. Following the procedure, her symptoms resolved, and she was discharged with appropriate medication and scheduled follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Given the increasing prevalence of obesity and a corresponding surge in surgical interventions, this case serves as a cautionary tale. Selection of a type of metabolic and bariatric surgery should be patient specific, with the patient involved in the decision making. Rigorous preoperative assessments and sustained postoperative monitoring are imperative. This study aims to guide future research toward enhanced patient selection and prevention of severe complications, thus influencing practice and policy in obesity management.

Partially covered versus uncovered pyloro-duodenal stents for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to compare the efficacy of partially covered duodenal stent (PCDS) vs. uncovered duodenal stent (UCDS) in patients suffering from unresectable primary malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). METHODS: This was a prospective international randomized controlled study conducted in 10 high-volume institutions. Consecutive patients suffering from malignant GOO were recruited. The primary outcome measurement was the reintervention rate. Secondary outcomes included technical and clinical success, 30-day adverse events, 30-day mortality, causes of stent dysfunction, and the duration of stent patency. RESULTS: Between March 2017 and October 2020, 115 patients (59 PCDS, 56 UCDS) were recruited. The 1-year reintervention was not significantly different (PCDS vs. UDCS = 12/59, 20.3% vs. 14/56, 25%, P = 0.84). There was a trend to fewer patients with tumor ingrowth in the PCDS group (6/59 [10.2%]) vs. 13/56 [23.2%], P = 0.07). There were no significant differences in the technical success (100% vs. 100%, P = 1), clinical success (91.5% vs. 98.2%, P = 0.21), procedural time (21.5 [interquartile range [IQR] 17-30] vs. 20.0 [IQR 15-34.75], P = 0.62), hospital stay (4 [IQR 3-12] vs. 5 [IQR 3-8] days, P = 0.81), 30-day adverse events (18.6% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.62), or 30-day mortality (6.8% vs. 5.2%, P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: The use of PCDS was associated with a lower risk of tumor ingrowth but did not improve on reintervention rates or stent patency. Both kinds of stents could be used in this group of patients.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy versus uncovered duodenal metal stenting for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction (DRA-GOO): a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a novel endoscopic method to palliate malignant gastric outlet obstruction. We aimed to assess whether the use of EUS-GE with a double balloon occluder for malignant gastric outlet obstruction could reduce the need for reintervention within 6 months compared with conventional duodenal stenting. METHODS: The was an international, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial conducted at seven sites in Hong Kong, Belgium, Brazil, India, Italy, and Spain. Consecutive patients (aged ≥18 years) with malignant gastric outlet obstruction due to unresectable primary gastroduodenal or pancreatobiliary malignancies, a gastric outlet obstruction score (GOOS) of 0 (indicating an inability in intake food or liquids orally), and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 3 or lower were included and randomly allocated (1:1) to receive either EUS-GE or duodenal stenting. The primary outcome was the 6-month reintervention rate, defined as the percentage of patients requiring additional endoscopic intervention due to stent dysfunction (ie, restenosis of the stent due to tumour ingrowth, tumour overgrowth, or food residue; stent migration; or stent fracture) within 6 months, analysed in the intention-to-treat population. Prespecified secondary outcomes were technical success (successful placement of a stent), clinical success (1-point improvement in gastric outlet obstruction score [GOOS] within 3 days), adverse events within 30 days, death within 30 days, duration of stent patency, GOOS at 1 month, and quality-of-life scores. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03823690) and is completed. FINDINGS: Between Dec 1, 2020, and Feb 28, 2022, 185 patients were screened and 97 (46 men and 51 women) were recruited and randomly allocated (48 to the EUS-GE group and 49 to the duodenal stent group). Mean age was 69·5 years (SD 12·6) in the EUS-GE group and 64·8 years (13·0) in the duodenal stent group. All randomly allocated patients completed follow-up and were analysed. Reintervention within 6 months was required in two (4%) patients in the EUS-GE group and 14 (29%) in the duodenal stent group [p=0·0020; risk ratio 0·15 [95% CI 0·04-0·61]). Stent patency was longer in the EUS-GE group (median not reached in either group; HR 0·13 [95% CI 0·08-0·22], log-rank p<0·0001). 1-month GOOS was significantly better in the EUS-GE group (mean 2·41 [SD 0·7]) than the duodenal stent group (1·91 [0·9], p=0·012). There were no statistically significant differences between the EUS-GE and duodenal stent groups in death within 30 days (ten [21%] vs six [12%] patients, respectively, p=0·286), technical success, clinical success, or quality-of-life scores at 1 month. Adverse events occurred 11 (23%) patients in the EUS-GE group and 12 (24%) in the duodenal stent group within 30 days (p=1·00); three cases of pneumonia (two in the EUS-GE group and one in the duodenal stent group) were considered to be procedure related. INTERPRETATION: In patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction, EUS-GE can reduce the frequency of reintervention, improve stent patency, and result in better patient-reported eating habits compared with duodenal stenting, and the procedure should be used preferentially over duodenal stenting when expertise and required devices are available. FUNDING: Research Grants Council (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China) and Sociedad Española de Endoscopia Digestiva.

Outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastro-enterostomy for gastric outlet obstruction in a two-centre Australian Cohort (with video).

PURPOSE: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastro-enterostomy (EUS-GE) is a relatively novel technique that has been shown to require less re-intervention than standard endoscopic enteral stenting for gastric outlet obstruction and is less invasive, quicker, and more cost-effective than surgery. This study evaluated the outcomes and safety of EUS-GE in patients treated for gastric outlet obstruction across two Australian centers. METHODS: Retrospective data on demographics, presenting symptoms, disease, endoscopic and clinical outcomes, and safety were collected on all patients who underwent EUS-GE from 2021 to 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate outcomes and safety and survival were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Eleven patients underwent EUS-GE during the defined period, 10 of whom had a malignant etiology (median age 73 years, interquartile range [IQR] 13; 63.6% male). Technical success was 90.9%. Of those patients, clinical success (the ability to tolerate at least a full liquid diet during follow-up) was 100%. The median length of hospital stay post-procedure was 6 days (IQR 14 days). No severe adverse events occurred, and one patient (10%) required a repeat endoscopy. Median survival post-EUS-GE was 298 days (95% confidence interval 0-730.1 days) CONCLUSION: EUS-GE is an effective, safe, and durable therapy for patients with gastric outlet obstruction. This study presents Australian data on outcomes and safety that is comparable to international literature. EUS-GE should be considered for patients where local expertise allows.

LAMS use in malignant stricture of duodenal apex with synchronous malignant biliary obstruction: a potentially effective and simpler endoscopic approach.

We report the first case of lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS) use in malignant stricture of the duodenal apex to treat gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) and to facilitate endoscopic retrograde management of synchronous malignant biliary obstruction due to pancreatic head adenocarcinoma. This technique may be an effective alternative and a simpler approach than current methodology to this endoscopically challenging condition.

Multimodality Therapy, Followed by Laparoscopic Gastrectomy, for Unresectable Gastric Cancer With Outlet Obstruction and Bulky N2 Metastases.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have gastric cancer with outlet obstruction (GCOO) and bulky N2 metastases cannot undergo curative resection and tolerate chemotherapy poorly, which may be improved by multimodality therapy (MMT) combined with laparoscopic gastrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of patients with GCOO and bulky N2 metastases who received MMT including nasojejunal feeding combined with preoperative chemotherapy (PCT), followed by laparoscopic exploration [enteral nutritional (EN) group] in sequence or laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy (LGJ) before PCT plus laparoscopic gastrectomy (LGJ group) were retrospectively reviewed. Prognostic Nutritional Index, gastric outlet obstruction scoring system grade, quality of life, response to PCT, surgical outcomes, and long-term survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-four consecutive patients with GCOO and bulky N2 metastases were identified. The Prognostic Nutritional Index and Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 score of patients were significantly improved as a result of multimodal therapy, but no superiority was demonstrated between the EN group and the LGJ group. The quality of life (52.6 ± 11.4 vs 68.2 ± 13.5, P = 0.036) and gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (P < 0.05) of patients in the LGJ group were better compared with the EN group. The rate of laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy (94.3% vs 92.9%, P = 0.64) and R0 resection (91.4% vs 92.9%, P = 0.53) in the EN group was similar to the LGJ group. There were no significant differences for the 5-year overall survival rate (63.2% vs 57.1, P = 0.86) and the 5-year relapse-free survival rate (42.9% vs 53.8%, P = 0.54) of patients in the EN group compared with the LGJ group. CONCLUSIONS: MMT including EN support or laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy followed by laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy is a feasible and effective treatment for patients with GCOO and bulky N2 metastases.