Safety and efficacy of duodenal stenting for malignant gastric outlet obstruction

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction( GOO) compromises the ability to eat and drink. Surgical gastrojejunostomy has long been the standard palliative procedure for patients with GOO. However, it might not be applicable for patients with a poor general condition. In Japan, duodenal stenting for malignant GOO has been covered by health insurance since April 2010. In our hospital, 5 patients with malignant GOO underwent duodenal stenting using a WallFlexTM stent( Boston Scientific Corporation). Subsequently, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of duodenal stenting for malignant GOO. Most of the patients in this study were elderly, had systemic inflammation, and were malnourished. We achieved 100% technical and clinical success rates. Four patients were discharged from the hospital. No major complications such as perforation were noted. The median survival time after stenting was 86 days. In conclusion, endoscopic duodenal stenting for malignant GOO is safe and effective, and it could be an option for palliative therapy.