Clinical Outcomes of Upper Gastrointestinal Stents and Review of Current Literature

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is an alternative for several possible surgical and palliative treatments of upper gastrointestinal obstructions that occur in several disease states. The present study was performed to describe a single-center experience with upper gastrointestinal stents. METHODS: All patients at a single center who had an SEMS placed for the treatment of obstruction over a 3-year period were retrospectively evaluated. Pre- and postoperative dysphagia scoring was calculated and used to evaluate postprocedure improvement in quality of life. Procedural success and early and late complication rates were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 171 endoscopic procedures were performed in 73 patients. Procedural success was 95.8% (n = 69) and dilatation was performed in 80 patients. The rate of perioperative complication was 26% (n = 19). After 1 month, stents were patent in all patients (n = 73). Stent obstruction was noted in 6 patients: 2 each at 2, 7, and 10 months. CONCLUSION: SEMS usage for palliative and curative purposes in benign or malignant upper gastrointestinal system obstructions is an efficient and reliable treatment method with advantages, such as shortening hospital stay, decreased pain, cost-effectiveness, and low mortality–morbidity rates when compared to surgical procedures, and a high rate of clinical success.