Comparison of Wallstent and Ultraflex stents for palliation of malignant left-sided colon obstruction: a retrospective, case-matched analysis

Gastrointest Endosc. 2008 Mar;67(3):478-88. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2007.08.043.

Abstract

Background: Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) are accepted palliation for malignant colon obstruction. Outcomes of different stent types is unknown.

Objective: Our purpose was to compare outcomes after palliative placement of the Enteral Wallstent (EW) and the Precision Colonic Ultraflex (PCU) stent.

Design: Retrospective study of all SEMS placement during a 7-year period.

Setting: Tertiary care academic medical center.

Patients: Malignant left-sided colon obstruction in which through-the-scope (TTS) or non-TTS stent placement was possible.

Main outcome measurements: Technical and clinical success rates, stent-related complications, reintervention.

Results: Demographics, degree, site, and cause of obstruction were comparable. Technical difficulties were more frequent with EW than PCU (16% vs 9%, P not significant), insufficient stent expansion and stent misplacement being most common. Relief of obstruction occurred in all patients when placement was technically successful. Mean follow-up was 93 days (range 7-691 days). Early (<7 days) stent occlusion (6% vs 0%, P not significant) and migration (4% vs 0%, P not significant) occurred more frequently in the EW group. Self-limited hematochezia was more common with PCU (20% vs 2%, P = .002). Delayed complications (perforation, stent occlusion, migration, and erosion) occurred significantly more often in the EW group (38% vs 20%). Reintervention was needed more frequently for EW, endoscopic (40% vs 17%, P = .01) and operative (46% vs 26%, P = .03).

Conclusions: Enteral Wallstents and Precision Ultraflex Colonic stents adequately relieve colonic obstruction. Stent dysfunction, stent-related complications, and need for reintervention are higher after EW placement. Precision Colonic Ultraflex stents appear better suited for palliation of left-sided malignant colon obstruction.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Carcinoma / therapy
  • Cohort Studies
  • Colonic Diseases / etiology
  • Colonic Diseases / therapy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / therapy
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology
  • Intestinal Obstruction / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palliative Care*
  • Prosthesis Implantation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stents*
  • Treatment Outcome