Self-expandable metal stents for the treatment of benign upper GI leaks and perforations

• Published in: Gastrointestinal endoscopy Vol. 73; no. 5; pp. 890 - 899
• Main Authors: Swinnen, Jo, MD, Eisendrath, Pierre, MD, Rigaux, Johanne, MD, Kahegeshe, Liliane, MD, Lemmers, Arnaud, MD, PhD, Le Moine, Olivier, MD, PhD, Devière, Jacques, MD, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Maryland heights, MO Mosby, Inc 01.05.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anastomotic Leak - diagnosis; Anastomotic Leak - etiology; Anastomotic Leak - surgery; Bariatric Surgery - adverse effects; Biological and medical sciences; Deglutition Disorders - diagnosis; Deglutition Disorders - etiology; Deglutition Disorders - surgery; Device Removal; Digestive system. Abdomen; Endoscopy; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal - methods; Esophageal Perforation - complications; Esophageal Perforation - diagnosis; Esophageal Perforation - surgery; Esophagus - injuries; Esophagus - surgery; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Humans; Iatrogenic Disease; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Male; Mediastinal Diseases - complications; Mediastinal Diseases - diagnosis; Mediastinal Diseases - surgery; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Prosthesis Design; Retrospective Studies; Rupture; Stents; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; CRP; self-expandable plastic stent; self-expandable metal stent; C-reactive protein; SEPS; SEMS; Instrumentation therapy; Metal; Perforation; Stent
• ISSN: 0016-5107; 1097-6779
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2010.12.019

Background Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) have been suggested for the treatment of benign upper GI leaks and perforations. Nevertheless, uncomplicated removal remains difficult. Placement of a self-expandable plastic stent (SEPS) into an SEMS can facilitate retrieval. Objectives This study reviews our experience with sequential SEMS/SEPS placement in patients with benign upper GI leaks or perforations. Design A retrospective review of the chart of each patient who underwent SEMS placement for benign upper GI leaks or perforations, including (1) fistula after bariatric surgery, (2) other postoperative fistulae, (3) Boerhaave syndrome, (4) iatrogenic perforations, and (5) other perforations. Setting Single, tertiary center. Patients Eighty-eight patients (37 male, average age 51.6 years, range 18-89 years). Interventions SEMS placement and removal, with or without SEPS placement. Main Outcome Measurements Feasibility of SEMS removal and successful treatment of lesions and short-term and long-term complications. Results A total of 153 SEMSs were placed in 88 patients; all placements were successful. Six patients died (not SEMS-related deaths) and 6 patients were lost to follow-up with SEMSs still in place. Seventy-three of the remaining 76 patients had successful SEMS removal (96.1%). The rate of successful SEMS removal per stent was 97.8% (132/135). Resolution of leaks and perforations was achieved in 59 patients (77.6%) with standard endoscopic treatment, and in 64 patients (84.2%) after prolonged, repeated endoscopic treatment. Spontaneous migration occurred in 11.1% of stents, and there were minor complications (dysphagia, hyperplasia, rupture of coating) in 20.9% and major complications (bleeding, perforation, tracheal compression) in 5.9%. Limitations Retrospective design and highly selected patient population. Conclusions Use of SEMSs for the treatment of benign upper GI leaks and perforations is feasible, relatively safe, and effective, and SEMSs can be easily removed 1 to 3 weeks after SEPS insertion. Leaks and perforations were closed in 77.6% of cases.